De Beers has named Richard Lawson, the current group head of planning and business development, as its new CFO, succeeding Sarah Kuijlaars who resigned.
He assumed his new responsibilities and joined the De Beers board and executive committee on October 1, 2023.
“I would like to thank Sarah for everything she has contributed to De Beers during her time as CFO. She strengthened our finance organisation, strengthened our business and strengthened our balance sheet, underpinning the company's long-term success,” said De Beers chief executive Al Cook.
“I am very pleased that we have such a strong and experienced successor in Richard Lawson. Richard has worked closely with Sarah over the past three years and has an outstanding understanding of De Beers and its businesses. The continuity, knowledge and leadership he brings to the role will be of great value as we position De Beers for growth.”
Lawson joined De Beers in 2017 as the group financial controller and has served as a key member of the company’s finance leadership team.
Before joining De Beers, he underwent training as a Chartered Accountant at PwC.
Subsequently, he joined Anglo American Thermal Coal in South Africa where he successfully managed the finance department and played a pivotal role in facilitating the transformation of the business before its demerger from Anglo American.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
