Former De Beers CEO Philippe Mellier Dies at 69 

Philippe Mellier, who served as CEO of De Beers from 2011 to 2016, died on July 8 at age 69.  

The French-born Mellier began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1980 as a planning supervisor and sales analyst. For almost two decades, he held various positions for the company globally. Later, he was president of Alstom Transport and executive vice president of Alstom S.A. He became CEO of De Beers in 2011, the first outsider to the diamond industry to lead the miner. At the time, the Oppenheimer family owned De Beers, selling it to Anglo American during Mellier’s tenure. 

Mellier stepped down as CEO in 2016, when Bruce Cleaver took over. Later, he joined commercial car rental company Fraikin, where he worked for almost seven years, as chairman and then as president.   

“[Mellier] led De Beers through a time of big changes — both in the diamond industry and within the company itself,” De Beers said. “He played a key role in shaping De Beers with the energy and vision he brought to the business. He’ll be remembered not only for his leadership, but also for his commitment to De Beers and its people. Our thoughts are with his wife Beatrice, his family and friends during this difficult time.” 

The funeral will take place on July 18 at the Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes Church in Paris.  

Image: Sir Philippe Mellier. (De Beers)