De Beers appoints new CEO

Philippe Mellier is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the De Beers Group, as announced by Chairman of the De Beers Board, Nicky Oppenheimer. Mr. Mellier will assume the role to chair the company’s Executive Committee and be appointed to the De Beers s.a. Board, beginning in July 2011. Mr. Oppenheimer said, “Having led the transformation of the diamond industry over the past decade, this appointment signals our determination to lead in a rapidly changing world. In Philippe we have found a proven leader with a reputation for delivering results while shaping businesses for the long-term. I was impressed by Philippe’s track record, which made it clear that he was the right fit for a company with the heritage of De Beers and a product with the magic of diamonds.”

Mr. Mellier, currently the President of Alstom Transport and Executive Vice President of Alstom s.a., was selected after a wide-ranging search. In his role as President of Alstom Transport, Mr. Mellier oversaw a growing business with sales of almost €6 billion during the last fiscal year and has been credited with the repute of delivering large capital projects, working with partners and opening new markets.

“With several large upstream projects underway and the rapid emergence of major downstream markets, De Beers stands on the cusp of an exciting new period of growth. I am excited by the dynamism and fresh perspective that Philippe will bring to De Beers”, added Mr. Oppenheimer.

Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, De Beers' largest shareholder, shared confidence that “Philippe will now lead the company to its next stage of growth, with steadily increasing consumer demand and several exciting projects to secure additional future supply.” Botswana’s Minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR), The Honourable Ponatshego Kedikilwe, added, “we are encouraged by the selection of a world class operator with a proven track record of delivering big projects within countries and working collaboratively with governments.”

Mr. Mellier said, “I take on this role with humility, enthusiasm and two fundamental beliefs – the safety of our people will always be paramount, and the diamond dream will always be the bedrock of our business model.”