(IDEX Online) - Al Cook, the new CEO at De Beers, says workers' safety is his first priority as he visits the company's operations."Over 27 years in the energy business, including three years in offshore operations, I've learned that we have to put safety first," he said on LinkedIn, marking his first day in the post.Cook takes over from Bruce Cleaver, was executive vice president of exploration and production international at Equinor, Norway's state-owned petroleum company.He is a geologist by training, says he has always been fascinated by gemstones, and is "truly excited to join the world's leading diamond company".Cook says he is also focusing on ethical sourcing on his tour of De Beers' operations."One thing has surprised me," he says. "For a company as historic as De Beers, there is a strong spirit of innovation. "Whether it's pioneering the use of blockchain so that a customer knows exactly where their diamond has come from, building the world's most advance diamond recovery vessel, or exploring for new kimberlite pipes deep inside the earth, I keep finding amazing technology everywhere."Pic from Al Cook's LinkedIn account.