De Beers announced it is combining its London-based Consumer & Brands and Corporate Affairs teams into a new single unit – Brands & Consumer Markets – to sharpen its focus and investment in providing consumers with brands of true social purpose.
The new unit, which will be fully accountable for the development of the group’s brands and the expansion of its consumer businesses, represents an innovation in luxury – the consolidation of brand marketing and a company’s social purpose into one focused team. The unit is dedicated to engaging consumers in both the beauty of a De Beers diamond and the beauty of its story.
Stephen Lussier, previously Executive Vice President of Consumer & Brands, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Consumer Markets and will continue to serve as the Chairman of De Beers Jewellers and Chairman of Forevermark. Stephen is accountable for the long-term vision and strategy of De Beers’ consumer businesses.
David Prager, previously Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of De Beers. David is accountable for the marketing of De Beers and its brands and leading the Group’s commitment to create a positive impact in the lives of people and the health of the planet through De Beers’ Building Forever sustainability framework.
Stephen and David will continue to sit on the De Beers Group Executive Committee.
Joining David in the newly established brand organisation, De Beers announced the following appointments, effective immediately, to its Brand Leadership Team: Katie Fergusson has been appointed Senior Vice President, Sustainable Impact; Feriel Zerouki was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs; Colby Shergalis was appointed Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing; and Martha Velando has been appointed Senior Vice President, Global Marketing.
The London-based brand team will work closely with Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers, and Nancy Liu, CEO of Forevermark, and their teams, to drive compelling, purpose-led marketing programmes around the world.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “As new generations of consumers look to express not just their love, but their values, through the purchases they make for others and the things they buy for themselves, the transformation and appointments we have announced reflect our conviction that compelling and meaningful brands will shape the future of diamonds.
“The combination of Stephen’s unparalleled experience in the diamond industry, Nancy and Céline’s leadership of Forevermark and De Beers Jewellers respectively and our new holistic brand team that will bring together our efforts to protect, lend purpose to and promote our brands under David’s leadership, will deliver purpose-led and growth-focused propositions for our partners.”
Caption: Stephen Lussier has been appointed Executive Vice President, Consumer Markets and will be accountable for the long-term vision and strategy of De Beers’ consumer businesses.