Walter Huehn to step down as Chief Executive of Element Six

Element Six, the De Beers Group business focused on the development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials, today announced that Walter Huehn will stand down as Chief Executive on 31 January 2023, after almost ten years. The process to recruit Walter’s successor is underway and an announcement will be made in due course.

Walter was appointed Chief Executive, Element Six, in March 2013. He has led the business successfully through highly volatile market conditions such as those presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as through key strategic developments such as the opening of a world leading CVD synthetic diamond manufacturing facility for the production of laboratory-grown diamonds for Lightbox Jewelry. More recently, Walter has driven the business’ focus on harnessing the potential of new applications for synthetic diamonds, including in quantum technology.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “Walter has led Element Six with distinction for the best part of a decade and has continued to deliver excellent value, successfully guiding Element Six through its strategic journey, despite a range of global challenges to contend with. He is passionate about innovation, and about the potential for synthetic diamonds to provide novel solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems.

“One of his most important legacies, however, is the outstanding team he has built at Element Six, which has a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion, as well as a clear vision of where the key opportunities for the business lie in the future. Synthetic diamonds have the potential to transform the world of technology, and Walter’s successor will work closely with the leadership team to ensure Element Six remains at the forefront of innovation in the advanced material solutions sector.”