With effect from early 2023, Al Cook has been announced as the new CEO of De Beers Group and current CEO Bruce Cleaver as co-chairperson.

This follows Cleaver’s decision to step back after six years to a nonexecutive role, Anglo American CE and De Beers Group chairperson Duncan Wanblad stated in a release to Engineering News & Mining Weekly.

Cook brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience, gained predominantly at BP and Equinor, most recently leading Equinor’s multibillion-dollar global exploration and production business across Africa, the Americas and Europe. He previously led Equinor’s global strategy and business development, developing the company’s net zero strategy. Equinor ASA is a Norway-based global energy company.

Wanblad described Cook’s multidisciplinary strategic skillset and strong personal conviction and values as being ideally suited to the nature of De Beers, a global business that spans much of the spectrum from exploration and mining to Bond Street and Madison Avenue.

Cook expressed deep recognition of the importance of De Beers’ approach to responsible mining, most notably in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

“It is our responsibility to work with the industry on continuing to fulfil the true promise of diamonds,” said Cook, who is described as being passionate about bringing enduring economic, social and environmental value to communities throughout his career.

The diamond industry in general, and De Beers Group in particular, have a hugely exciting future ahead, said Cleaver, who is looking forward to working closely with Cook and the leadership team.

Cook joined Equinor after a 20-year career at BP that spanned a number of corporate, commercial and operational and major project development roles. He holds an MA in Natural Sciences from St John’s College, Cambridge University, in the UK, and completed the International Executive Programme at INSEAD, France. He is a trustee of the Power of Nutrition charity, which helps address malnutrition in children across Africa and Asia.