JCK Take 3: De Beers, Community for Ethical Jewelry, Kohl’s

By JCK News Desk | June 17, 2026

Bloomberg: Former CEO Penny Ahead of Other De Beers Bidders

A consortium headed by former De Beers chief executive Gareth Penny (pictured) is “leading the race” to acquire De Beers from its parent company, Anglo American, according to a story published Tuesday by Bloomberg.

Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg said that Penny’s group has taken the lead in part because the Iran war has complicated financing for rival bidders. A competing group that’s associated with Israeli diamond trader Nir Livnat has faced challenges securing funding from investors in the Middle East, according to Bloomberg.

In addition to Penny’s and Livnat’s groups, Bloomberg mentioned a private group involving Australian mining executive Michael O’Keeffe as interested in buying De Beers, though the article said O’Keeffe is viewed by some as a less likely contender at this stage.

Bloomberg reported that Penny’s plan centers on refocusing De Beers on its core business of mining and marketing natural diamonds. As CEO from 2005 to 2010, Penny led De Beers through the global financial crisis, implementing cost cuts and raising capital to stabilize the business.

Anglo American is selling De Beers as part of a restructuring strategy that includes divesting several major assets. According to Bloomberg’s story, the government of Botswana, Anglo’s minority partner in De Beers, has signaled interest in increasing its stake in De Beers, to a majority share or just a larger share than its current 15%.

Community for Ethical Jewelry Gets New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova, who spent a decade with the Responsible Minerals Initiative in senior leadership roles, has been named executive director of the Community for Ethical Jewelry (CEJ).

Smirnova brings more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, human rights, and mineral supply chains to CEJ. She most recently served as a senior adviser to the Global Battery Alliance and the London Bullion Market Association, according to CEJ.

In a statement, Smirnova said she was honored to join the organization at a time when “ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and respect for human rights are more important than ever.”

The Cincinnati-based nonprofit promotes responsible business practices through education, advocacy, and collaboration within the jewelry industry.

Elliott Rodgers to Join Kohl’s as COO

Kohl’s has appointed Elliott Rodgers chief operating officer, effective September 9. He will oversee enterprise operations across the retailer’s nearly 1,200 stores, as well as its global supply chain, distribution centers, procurement, and loss prevention functions.

Rodgers was COO of Foot Locker from late 2022 to September 2025. Prior to that, he was chief people officer at software company Project44 and worked at Ulta Beauty for eight years, in such positions as chief information officer and chief supply chain officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elliott to our senior leadership team as we continue our transformational efforts to drive the business forward,” said Kohl’s CEO Michael J. Bender in a statement.

Rodgers is a graduate of West Point and a U.S. Army captain. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School.

The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.

(Photo: Katerina Sulova/CTK via AP Images)