After nearly five years at the helm, David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), is preparing to step down by the end of 2025.
But the search for his replacement? It’s already underway.
In a statement to JCK, NDC chair Sandrine Conseiller—who is also CEO of De Beers Group Brands—confirmed:
“We expect David to leave the business later this year, and the search for a successor is well underway. CEO succession is a top priority for any board, and the NDC board is no exception.”
Under Kellie’s leadership since December 2019, the NDC has focused on unifying the natural diamond industry and promoting category-wide awareness.
Conseiller pointed to the signing of the Luanda Accord as a major milestone:
- It secured long-term funding
- It strengthened the NDC’s global promotional capabilities
- It laid the foundation for a stronger 2026 strategy
“The NDC has made meaningful progress lately in bringing the industry closer together,” she said. “We will build on this momentum to put together a strong plan for 2026.”
Stay tuned—2025 could mark a major leadership shift in the future of natural diamonds.
(Photo courtesy of De Beers)