International News
De Beers Group Announces Changes to Executive Committee
De Beers Group today announced changes to its Executive Committee, with current Chief Operating Officer, Burger Greeff, retiring at the end of the year following three decades of exceptional service. Kevin Smith, currently Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Strategy, will become Interim Chief Operating Officer, while Eirik Waerness, currently Senior Vice President & Chief Economist, will move into the role of Acting Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Strategy, both effective from 1 December 2025.
Burger joined De Beers Group in August 1993 as a Senior Research Officer at De Beers Consolidated Mines. Over his career with De Beers, Burger has held numerous pivotal leadership roles across the business, including Senior Research Manager: Strategic, General Manager at De Beers Marine SA, and Executive Head of Technical & Sustainability. His leadership has spanned technical innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
Kevin joined De Beers in 1996 and has held many leadership roles across both De Beers and Anglo American, including operational, technical and commercial positions. Most recently, as Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, Kevin has been instrumental in leading the delivery of the Origins strategy. Prior to that, Kevin played a key role in developing the Upstream Origins strategy, as well as leading the organisational redesign programme across the Group.
Eirik joined De Beers Group on 1 September 2025 as Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Head of Global Market and Price Analysis. Eirik joined De Beers Group from Equinor in Norway, where he held the role of Chief Economist for the past 12 years, as well as a period as Head of Strategy. Eirik’s vision, influence, and analytical expertise have already helped to shape strategic direction at De Beers Group, and in his new position Eirik will expand his portfolio of responsibility to cover Global Communications, Government Affairs, Strategy & Business Development and Global Market and Price Analysis.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “As Chief Operating Officer, Burger has brought integrity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to our purpose. His contributions have helped shape the future of our operations and inspired many across the business. Burger’s legacy is one of excellence, humility, and service, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Burger for his outstanding leadership.
“With Burger’s departure, I am delighted that Kevin Smith, a highly respected leader with an outstanding track record of delivery, will take over the leadership of our operations. He brings a wealth of experience and a range of skills from nearly 30 years in the business, including working alongside our government partners in Botswana and in Namibia to drive success in our joint venture businesses.
“Moreover, I welcome Eirik to the De Beers Executive Committee as he moves into the role of Acting Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Strategy. With more than 12 years in chief economist roles and board experience across three major Norwegian government institutions, he brings a unique perspective shaped by global markets and institutional governance, and I very much look forward to benefitting from his expertise in his new role.”
International News
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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