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
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
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