De Beers reshuffles executive team as COO steps down

De Beers Group has announced senior management changes as chief operating officer Burger Greeff prepares to retire at the end of the year after more than 30 years with the company.

Kevin Smith, currently executive vice-president of corporate affairs and strategy, will become interim chief operating officer from 1 December 2025. 

Eirik Waerness, senior vice-president and chief economist, will take on the role of acting executive vice-president of corporate affairs and strategy.

Greeff joined De Beers Group in 1993 as a senior research officer at De Beers Consolidated Mines. He later held leadership positions including senior research manager for strategy, general manager at De Beers Marine SA, and executive head of technical and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Smith joined De Beers in 1996 and has held a range of operational, technical and commercial roles across De Beers and Anglo American. 

As executive vice-president of corporate affairs and strategy, he has led delivery of the group’s Origins strategy and earlier contributed to its upstream business strategy.

Additionally, Waerness joined De Beers in September 2025 from Norwegian energy company Equinor, where he served as chief economist for 12 years and also headed strategy. At De Beers, he oversees global market and price analysis and will now add responsibility for global communications, government affairs, strategy and business development.

Al Cook, chief executive 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.

“With Burger’s departure, I am delighted that Kevin Smith, a highly respected leader with an outstanding track record, will take over the leadership of our operations. He brings nearly 30 years of experience and a range of skills, including working with our government partners in Botswana and Namibia to drive success in our joint ventures.”

He added: “I also welcome Eirik to the De Beers executive committee as he moves into the role of acting executive vice-president of corporate affairs and strategy. With more than 12 years in chief economist roles and extensive board experience, he brings a unique global perspective that will strengthen our leadership team.”