De Beers Names Kevin Smith Interim COO as Veteran Executive Burger Greeff Retires
De Beers has appointed Kevin Smith, currently Executive VP of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, as interim Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 December 2025. He succeeds Burger Greeff, who is retiring after 30 years with the group.
“As COO, Burger has brought integrity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to our purpose. His contributions have helped shape our operations and inspired many across the business,” said CEO Al Cook.
“With Burger’s departure, I am delighted that Kevin Smith, a highly respected leader with nearly 30 years’ experience, will take over operations leadership. He has worked closely with our government partners in Botswana and Namibia, driving success across joint ventures.”
Simultaneously, Eirik Waerness, currently Chief Economist and Senior VP, has been appointed acting Executive VP of Corporate Affairs & Strategy.
“With more than 12 years in chief economist roles and board experience across major Norwegian government institutions, Eirik brings a unique perspective shaped by global markets and institutional governance,” Cook added.
Leadership Legacies
Burger Greeff joined De Beers Group in August 1993 as a senior research officer. Over three decades, he held leadership roles including Senior Research Manager: Strategic, GM at De Beers Marine SA, and Executive Head of Technical & Sustainability, contributing to operational excellence, technical innovation, and sustainability initiatives.
Kevin Smith joined De Beers in 1996, holding numerous operational, technical, and commercial leadership roles across De Beers and Anglo American.
Most recently, as Executive VP of Corporate Affairs & Strategy, he played a pivotal role in delivering the Origins strategy and previously led the Upstream Origins strategy and a group-wide organizational redesign program.
Eirik Waerness joined De Beers on 1 September 2025 from Equinor in Norway, where he served as Chief Economist and Head of Strategy for 12 years.
In his new role, Waerness will oversee global communications, government affairs, strategy and business development, alongside market and price analysis, expanding his portfolio of responsibilities.
These leadership changes reflect De Beers’ focus on continuity, strategic growth, and operational excellence, ensuring the group remains well-positioned in global diamond markets.
