Bruce Cleaver Becomes Chair of Gemfields

By Rob Bates | June 11, 2024

Bruce Cleaver, 59, who served as CEO of De Beers from 2016 to early 2023 (and co-chair for about a year after that), has been named chair of colored stone miner Gemfields.

He will also become a nonexecutive director of the company’s board and chair of its nomination committee.

Cleaver replaces Martin Tolcher, who was Gemfields’ chair for five years and has been on its board for the last 15 years.

In a statement, Cleaver said there were “clear parallels” in how both Gemfields and De Beers offer “consistent and reliable supply.” (Several years ago, Gemfields’ then CEO said the company wanted to become the “De Beers of colored stones.”)

Gemfields also has named two new board directors: Simon Scott, who previously served as chief financial officer of Lonmin, the platinum miner; and Kieran Daly, managing director of Assore International Holdings, which has a 29.2% holding in Gemfields Group.

(Photo courtesy of De Beers)