De Beers reveals executive exits including chief brand officer

De Beers Group announced on Monday that David Prager, executive vice president and chief brand officer, and Ryan Perry, acting executive vice president of strategy and innovation, have decided to leave De Beers in 2024.

The diamond company said both Pragerand Perry will continue to serve on the executive committee while overseeing the transition of their responsibilities to its other members. Prager will also continue to serve as chairman of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) until a successor is elected by the NDC board.

Reasons for the duo’s departure were not disclosed.

Joining De Beers in 2006, Prager was credited for leading the transformation of the De Beers purpose and brand, over the last 17 years.

“Throughout his time at De Beers, David’s insight, creativity and leadership have propelled us forward. He transformed our brand and marketing strategy; managed complex issues in a way that built trust with stakeholders and strengthened our reputation around the world; and he designed a sustainability framework that has protected the natural world, improved people’s lives and deepened our clients’ connection to our diamonds,” said De Beers, chief executive officer, De Beers Group, Al Cook.

“While I will be very sorry to lose David, I know that his values and ability to build common ground will stay with De Beers for years to come. I would like to personally thank him for his outstanding contribution to the company.”

Also a company veteran, Perry joined De Beers in 2002, and has worked in operational and strategic leadership roles across the value chain.

“From tackling technical mining challenges to predicting the future of diamond demand, Ryan has contributed outstandingly across the De Beers Group,” continued Cook.

“He has always been effective in bringing different parties to work together successfully, leading change programmes during the global pandemic, leading strategy development and leading the creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund in Botswana. In my time at De Beers, Ryan has helped me understand the nuances of the market and our product, and I am deeply grateful for his wide-ranging contributions.”

Coinciding with the news, De Beers announced the appointment of Tom Johnson to the position of general counsel, with effect from January 1, 2024. In this role, Johnson will join the executive committee, overseeing the company’s legal and company secretariat functions.