New appointments were announced at De Beers Group’s South African mining operation, De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM). Barend Petersen is to assume the position as DBCM’s Executive Chairman, taking over from Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of the De Beers Group who served as DBCM’s Chairman for 12 years. Mr. Oppenheimer will continue to sit on the Board of DBCM and serve as Chairman of the wider De Beers Group. Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Petersen has been serving as the acting-CEO of DBCM. Philip Barton, DBCM Finance Director will be the new CEO of DBCM.

While announcing the appointments, Mr. Oppenheimer said, “As I hand-over the Chairmanship, I plan to remain actively engaged in the progress of DBCM. I have full confidence in the vision and leadership credentials of Barend and Philip. These two appointments affirm our long-term commitment to our employees and all of South Africa to deliver an efficient and profitable DBCM long into the future.”

Mr. Petersen will be assuming the most senior role at the company, and will be involved in strategic positioning and growth of DBCM, building on the De Beers Family of Companies’ relationships with its shareholders, the Government of South Africa, and other stakeholders. Mr Petersen has served as director of DBCM since 2002. He is a chartered accountant holding global business experience. He has also served as non-executive director of Anglo American South Africa, De Beers Société Anonyme in Luxembourg, director and shareholder of Ponahalo Holdings (having 26 percent equity interest in DBCM), Chairman of the Environment, Community, Occupational Hygiene, Health and Safety Committee of the De Beers Group and a member of the Audit Committee of De Beers Société Anonyme.

Mr. Barton has served at De Beers for over 20 years, in the operational aspects of mining operations and business functions, and been involved in DBCM’s evolution over the years, with which he will add a focus to the company’s operations and production profile, and help maximise the value of DBCM’s mining portfolio.