# Anglo American De Beers Group appoints Al Cook as CEO & Bruce Cleaver Co-Chairman

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/anglo-american-de-beers-group-appoints-al-cook-as-ceo-bruce-cleaver-co-chairman/4121085651
- Published: 2022-10-10T07:32:17+01:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

**[Anglo American plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ftse-company/anglo-american/aal.l)**(
[LON:AAL](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/anglo-american/aal.l))
has announced the appointment of Al Cook as CEO of De Beers Group and Bruce Cleaver,
current CEO of De Beers Group, as Co-Chairman of De Beers Group, both with effect
from early 2023.

> **Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive of Anglo American and Chairman of De Beers Group,
> said**: “Together with our partners in De Beers, we congratulate Al Cook on his
> appointment as CEO of De Beers Group following Bruce Cleaver’s decision to step
> back after six years to a non-executive role. Al Cook brings more than 25 years
> of international leadership experience, gained predominantly at BP and Equinor,
> most recently leading Equinor’s multi-billion dollar global E&P business across
> Africa, the Americas and Europe. He previously led Equinor’s global strategy and
> business development, developing the company’s net zero strategy. I believe Al’s
> multi-disciplinary strategic skillset and strong personal conviction and values
> are 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.”

> **Al Cook commented**: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the company
> behind the world’s leading diamond brand – De Beers. I look forward to working
> closely with De Beers’ people, customers, governments and other stakeholders to
> ensure that De Beers continues to lead the industry and deliver sustainable and
> purpose-driven value. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about bringing
> enduring economic, social and environmental value to host countries and communities.
> I deeply recognise 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.”

> **Duncan Wanblad added**: “Bruce has led De Beers with distinction, evolving the
> Company’s strategic vision to ensure that consumers’ desire for diamond jewellery
> is at the very heart of decision making across the diamond pipeline, while leading
> a safety transformation to ensure employee safety and wellbeing are recognised
> as the first priority and a shared responsibility. He has successfully steered
> De Beers through a period of considerable change over the last six years, including
> leading the way through technology to provide consumers with absolute assurance
> of the ethical provenance of their diamonds. Bruce has successfully expanded De
> Beers’ horizons for the longer term and reinforced the company’s unquestioned 
> leadership position, exemplified by De Beers’ Building Forever [sustainability](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/sustainability-green-stocks-news)
> framework to ensure an enduring positive diamond legacy. I look forward to his
> contribution as Co-Chairman, ensuring the greatest continuity for the business
> and our partners and stakeholders.”

> **Bruce Cleaver said**: “It has been a tremendous privilege for me to lead such
> an iconic company as De Beers with its rich history, great people and culture,
> and truly unique product offering. I would like to pay tribute to all those who
> have supported me along the way – including all my De Beers Group and Anglo American
> colleagues, the representatives of our partner governments, the De Beers Sightholder
> community and countless others within and outside the diamond trade. I am proud
> of all that we have achieved together during this period, despite the major challenges
> we have faced along the way. I believe the diamond industry in general, and De
> Beers Group in particular, have a hugely exciting future ahead and I look forward
> to working closely with Al and the leadership team to ensure we continue to take
> the business and the industry to new heights.”

Share on: