De Beers Announces Leadership Reshuffle as COO Burger Greeff Retires

De Beers Group has revealed a series of executive leadership changes as Chief Operating Officer Burger Greeff prepares to retire at the end of this year, concluding an illustrious 30-year tenure with the company.

Effective 1 December 2025, Kevin Smith, currently Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, will assume the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer. Concurrently, Eirik Waerness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, will take on expanded duties as Acting Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy.

Greeff, who joined De Beers in 1993, has been instrumental in advancing the company’s technical innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability agenda. CEO Al Cook commended his “integrity, foresight, and unwavering dedication,” emphasizing that Greeff’s influence will continue to resonate throughout the organization.

Smith, a De Beers veteran since 1996, has served in multiple leadership roles across De Beers and Anglo American, contributing significantly to initiatives such as the Upstream Origins strategy and the firm’s organisational transformation.

Waerness, who became part of De Beers in September 2025 following a 12-year tenure as Chief Economist at Equinor in Norway, will now oversee Global Communications, Government Affairs, Strategy & Business Development, and Global Market and Price Analysis.