SIMON GILBERT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Simon worked for De Beers for over 25 years, half of which was spent in sub-Saharan Africa, where he worked in a wide range of commercial and administrative activities, gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of the diamond industry.

Simon was a senior executive within De Beers Group External and Corporate Affairs Department and was responsible for initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with key individuals, within a wide range of projects and initiatives dealing with corporate reputation and sustainable development, with particular reference to government relations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).He developed, managed and supervised implementation of Kimberley Process requirements throughout the Group of companies. He has represented the World Diamond Council on numerous Kimberley Review Missions to the Far East and Africa. This work also included a fundamental contribution to the lifting of the UN Security Council Resolution concerning Liberian Diamonds.

He was also a key knowledge individual within the Group dealing with a number of high profile projects including the United Nations Global Compact, Business Action for Africa, Diamond Development initiative and law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Simon is a highly experienced presenter and communicator experienced in both print and broadcast mediums at national and international levels.