De Beers Group has announced three new appointments to its Executive Committee. Ann Cormack takes over from Arthur Hewett as Executive Head, Human Resources; and will be taking up her assignment in October 2017. David Prager has been appointed Executive Vice-President, Corporate Affairs; and Nancy Liu as Chief Operating Officer, Forevermark --  both with immediate effect.  

Ann’s current assignment is with Rolls Royce where she is responsible for “international business development, country-level strategy implementation, government relations and the international corporate presence”, De Beers said in its announcement. She has earlier held several commercial roles across industry and the public sector, including Managing Director for Energy at Xyntéo, Chief Executive of D1-BP Fuel Crops, and Managing Director of the Small Business Service in the UK Department for Trade & Industry. Ann spent the first 20 years of her career with Royal Dutch Shell.

Presently  Head of Corporate Affairs for De Beers Group, David “will continue to lead the global Corporate Affairs team in safeguarding consumers’ confidence in diamonds, building strong relationships with stakeholders and communities, and shaping the meaning, impact and potential of the De Beers Group brand around the world”, the Company noted.

David’s assignments prior to joining De Beers in 2006  included heading UK communications for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; working for Ogilvy PR in New York and London; providing  counsel to various clients including GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Virgin Atlantic and Coca-Cola. David started his career as a White House Intern during the Clinton Administration.

Nancy, currently Head of Forevermark, Asia-Pacific, “will lead the future development of Forevermark, working with teams in consumer markets around the world to drive the global growth of the brand”, the Company specified. Nancy continues to retain responsibility for Forevermark in China and Hong Kong, and to work with Stephen Lussier, Executive Vice-President of Marketing for De Beers Group, CEO of Forevermark and Chairman of the Diamond Producers Association, “as his role expands to include overall responsibility for all of De Beers Group’s downstream business activities” De Beers said.

Nancy, who joined De Beers in 2008, had earlier worked for L’Oréal, LVMH and the Boston Consulting Group.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “As we position De Beers to capture the opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world, our growth is dependent on adding new voices to our senior leadership. I’m delighted to welcome Ann, David and Nancy to the De Beers Group Executive Committee and I look forward to the contributions they will make. They each bring distinct perspectives, insights and experience that will propel De Beers forward in our mission to connect millions of people around the world with their diamond moments.

“Ann brings an impressive track record to De Beers and is passionate about the development of people and business. As a leader, Ann values continuous improvement and will ensure we continue to strengthen our business by encouraging a culture that values fresh thinking, diverse views and bold action.

“David has led the transformation of De Beers’ reputation over the past decade, making us a more open, engaged and progressive company with strong relationships and a compelling brand proposition. With the expectations of our stakeholders and consumers evolving, David will lead our effort to provide confidence in the value and integrity of our business and the diamonds we sell.

“Nancy has built a strong demand-base in China for Forevermark, and will bring her track record for delivery into her new global role as we continue our journey toward establishing Forevermark as the world’s leading diamond brand. Importantly, as we seek new ways to connect with consumers, Nancy will bring deep insight into Chinese consumers and strong experience of the luxury goods sector to the Executive Committee.”

Pic Cap: (frm lft to rt): Ann Cormack, David Prager, and Nancy Liu