Philippe Mellier, the former chief executive of diamond giant De Beers, has died at the age of 69. Mellier passed away on July 8, 2025. A seasoned business leader with a background in engineering, Mellier left a lasting impact on the global diamond industry during his time at the helm of De Beers from 2011 to 2016.

Born in France, Mellier began his professional life as a mechanical engineer before shifting his focus to business. He earned an MBA from INSEAD business school in Fontainebleau, France. Mellier started his career at Ford Motor Company in 1980, working in planning and sales. Over nearly two decades, he held a number of senior roles across the automaker’s international operations.

His career later led him to the transportation and energy company Alstom, where he served as president of Alstom Transport and executive vice president of the parent company. In 2011, Mellier made a notable move to the diamond industry, becoming the first person from outside the sector to be named CEO of De Beers. His appointment came shortly before the Oppenheimer family sold its stake in the company to Anglo American.

As CEO, Mellier oversaw a major restructuring of the company’s operations, including relocating its rough diamond sales from London to Gaborone, Botswana—a shift that reshaped global diamond trading. He also fostered stronger ties between De Beers and India’s diamond manufacturing industry, notably through partnerships with industry groups such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

After stepping down in 2016, Mellier continued his leadership career in the commercial vehicle rental sector with Fraikin, serving first as chairman and then as CEO.

A funeral service was held on July 18 at Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes Church in Paris.