Gaborone, Botswana — Al Cook, the CEO of De Beers Group, and Gina Drosos, CEO of Signet Jewelers, recently gathered in Botswana to engage with their local teams and deliberate on future collaborative opportunities aimed at championing the allure and advantages of natural diamonds. This strategic meeting emphasized the commitment of these industry leaders to harness the positive impact of natural diamonds in areas such as education, philanthropy, healthcare, and national GDP.
During their visit, Gina Drosos and the Signet team undertook a tour of the Jwaneng diamond mine, renowned as the world’s most valuable diamond mine, which included a visit to its community-supportive hospital. Furthermore, Gina Drosos visited Signet’s dedicated diamond polishing facility in Botswana, boasting a workforce of 201 individuals, with over 88 percent being Botswana citizens and 63 percent women.
Reflecting on the visit, Gina Drosos expressed, “Signet is a Purpose-oriented company, and it is so rewarding to see first-hand how the diamonds we source, polish, and sell contribute to the growth and development of nations like Botswana. Our commitment has played a pivotal role in Botswana’s remarkable per capita economic growth since the discovery of diamonds in the country. Additionally, more than a quarter of the national GDP is attributed to diamonds, with revenues from the diamond industry catalyzing transformative changes in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.”
Drosos further highlighted Signet’s active involvement in the local Botswana community, emphasizing that their Signet Direct Sourcing has become an exemplary workplace. She underscored the company’s alignment with its Purpose of Inspiring Love and its dedication to conveying the narrative behind each diamond, enlightening customers about the positive impact on people’s lives.
Al Cook expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Signet, emphasizing the shared passion for natural diamonds and their potential for societal good. “Our two companies extend their reach from Botswana, the leading diamond producer, to the United States, the leading diamond market. As we deepen our commitment to supplying diamonds from Botswana, we are also strengthening our relationship with Signet in the United States and beyond,” Cook stated.
The meeting underscored the joint commitment of De Beers and Signet to foster positive change through the responsible sourcing and utilization of natural diamonds, bridging the continuum from production to market.
