De Beers Promotes Richard Lawson to CFO

De Beers has promoted Richard Lawson, head of planning and business development, to chief financial officer following the resignation of Sarah Kuijlaars, the group said Friday.

Lawson, who will also join the De Beers board and executive committee, began his new job Sunday. He started at De Beers in 2017 as the group financial controller and served as a member of the company’s finance leadership team. Prior to joining the miner, he held financial and business positions with its parent company, Anglo American.

Kuijlaars was De Beers’ chief financial officer from 2020. Previously, she worked in high-ranking finance positions with a variety of companies, including Arcadis, Rolls-Royce and Shell. She is also a nonexecutive director of several nonprofit boards. No reason was given for her resignation from De Beers.

Kuijlaars and Lawson have worked together over the past three years, which should lead to a smooth transition, noted De Beers CEO Al Cook.

“[Kuijlaars] strengthened our finance organization, strengthened our business and strengthened our balance sheet, underpinning the company’s long-term success,” he said. “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.”

Image: Richard Lawson. (De Beers)