De Beers Group made a major announcement, revealing that David Prager, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Brand Officer, along with Ryan Perry, the Acting Executive Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, will be departing from De Beers in 2024.
While the specific reasons for their departure remain undisclosed, both Prager and Perry will continue to serve on the executive committee during the transition of their responsibilities. Prager will maintain his role as Chairman of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) until a successor is elected.
David Prager, a key figure at De Beers since 2006, has played a transformative role in reshaping the company’s purpose and brand over the past 17 years. De Beers CEO, Al Cook, expressed gratitude for Prager’s leadership, acknowledging his profound impact on the company’s global reputation and sustainability initiatives.
Ryan Perry, with a tenure at De Beers since 2002, has contributed significantly across the company, addressing technical challenges, predicting diamond demand, and leading change programs. Cook highlighted Perry’s effectiveness in bringing diverse parties together and his invaluable contributions to understanding market nuances.
Simultaneously, De Beers announced the appointment of Tom Johnson as General Counsel, effective January 1, 2024. Johnson will join the executive committee, overseeing legal and company secretariat functions.
These executive changes mark a pivotal moment for De Beers as it navigates the evolving landscape of the diamond industry. The company looks ahead to new leadership dynamics and strategic directions.