Vice President, Government Affairs - North America

Company Description

De Beers Group - The world's leading diamond company

De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company, with expertise spanning exploration, mining, marketing, and retail of natural diamonds, as well as advanced diamond materials and technology solutions through Element Six, which is part of De Beers Group. Our purpose is to create a positive, lasting impact that will endure well beyond the discovery of our last diamond. We are a unique, luxury business that thrives on the creativity, passion and knowledge of our people.

As we embark on a journey to accelerate the transformation of our business into one that is better positioned to realise the opportunities ahead of us, we welcome and encourage diverse perspectives from those individuals who spark fresh thinking and aren't afraid to challenge assumptions.

We’ll provide you with the space and support to grow and achieve your ambitions and – working together – you’ll help us realise our own ambition to be the pioneer of a new diamond world.

Job Description

We are looking for a VP Government Affairs – North America who will help to develop and deliver a government affairs strategy in North America that aligns with the company’s global strategy. This includes positioning De Beers as a trusted and responsible partner to government, industry, and academia, recognized for its leadership in responsible business, innovation and sustainable economic growth. The VP Government Affairs will be expected to ensure the company’s voice is heard and respected in key policy debates that directly impact our business and reputation.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and working closely with the Group CEO, Executive Team and colleagues across the business, the successful candidate will ensure De Beers builds and sustains the strategic relationships, insights and influence needed to protect and advance its commercial interests.

This includes developing De Beers’ presence and capability in North America by building trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers and opinion formers; monitoring and analysing political, policy and regulatory developments to motivate for efforts to shape the business environment; and providing intelligence and advice to anticipate and manage risks while identifying and pursuing opportunities.

The Government Affairs function helps deliver our purpose by building understanding, trust, and influence with governments and institutions in key markets worldwide. By strengthening De Beers’ voice on critical issues — from trade and sanctions to consumer protection, technology innovation, and responsible sourcing — the team ensures the company is well positioned to protect and progress its commercial success.

The global Government Affairs team was established to deliver a step change in how De Beers engages with policymakers and shapes the environment in which we operate. This role represents an exciting opportunity to help define and deliver that vision in one of our most strategically important markets.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead De Beers’ government affairs and advocacy in the United States and Federal Canada, with a focus on delivering measurable progress on priority objectives on natural diamonds and synthetic industrial diamond materials applications and innovation.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Executive and Legislative branches, including the Departments of Commerce, State, and Treasury, USTR, DoD, DARPA, and relevant Congressional committees.
• Partner with Embassies, industry associations and other trusted and influential voices to coordinate advocacy efforts on shared objectives, including trade, sanctions, and consumer trust.
• Design and execute strategic advocacy and communication campaigns to influence policymakers, strengthen De Beers’ reputation, and drive progress toward policy goals.
• Develop and articulate evidence-based policy positions, turning complex technical or economic data into persuasive narratives that support De Beers’ objectives.
• Monitor, interpret, and report on relevant political, policy, and regulatory developments, providing timely intelligence and advice to the Senior Vice President and executive leadership.
• Represent De Beers at high-level meetings, hearings, and events with government officials, policymakers, and opinion-formers.
• Lead or contribute to policy submissions, briefing materials, and white papers for government and multilateral audiences.
• Coordinate closely with communications, sustainability, and Element Six colleagues to ensure policy engagement aligns with business priorities and public messaging.

De Beers does not currently have an office in Washington, D.C. and the successful candidate will the