About Billiton Diamonds
Billiton Diamonds is a global diamond and gemstone trading company redefining how the world transacts in precious stones. Founded in 2021, we bring together deep auction expertise, ethical sourcing practices, cutting-edge digital systems, and global relationships, all within one integrated platform.
Jamal Akhtar
Co-Founder & Director
Jamal brings over 25 years of cross-industry experience spanning IT, logistics, supply chain, and diamond trading systems.
He began his professional journey in 1998 with IT roles at HSBC and CSC, before joining BHP Billiton Energy Coal in The Hague. There, he worked across supply chain management and ISAP implementation.
In 2010, Jamal transitioned to BHP Billiton Diamonds as Marketing Manager, where he became part of the core team managing and operating the company’s online auction platform. These BHP-run auctions quickly became the industry benchmark for rough diamond pricing.
In 2014, Jamal joined Grib Diamonds, alongside other former BHP executives, as Business Systems and Sales Manager, later becoming Head of Operations. At Grib, he oversaw end-to-end business systems including inventory control, auction platforms, and operational infrastructure—all modeled on the BHP framework.
Jamal led the transformation of Grib’s auction model into a fully integrated, cloud-based ERP platform. This included the development of appointment scheduling, goods viewing modules, customer management, invoicing systems, and seamless auction operations.
At Billiton, Jamal leads the vision for system design, platform integration, and operational excellence—ensuring scalability, traceability, and trust across the diamond supply chain.
Antony Dear
Co-Founder & Director
Antony has over 30 years of global experience in the diamond industry, with a focus on sourcing, sales, and auction management.
His professional journey began in 1992 at De Beers, where he managed rough diamond sourcing operations across Belgium, the DRC, Congo, and Guinea. This early exposure to international markets laid the foundation for his expertise in assortment, valuation, and pricing.
In 2007, Antony joined BHP Billiton as Marketing Manager and became a core member of the team responsible for launching its pioneering online auction platform. These ascending clock auctions quickly became a pricing benchmark across the industry, setting spot market rates for rough diamonds used in long-term contracts.
In 2014, Antony moved to Grib Diamonds, joining other ex-BHP leadership as Head of Sales. He led global auction operations and played a key role in establishing new sourcing channels, including direct rough diamond procurement from Angola. Grib adopted a similar digital-first auction model, reinforcing transparency and market efficiency.
At Billiton, Antony oversees sales strategy, supplier relationships, and auction design. He brings a track record of execution and credibility to the company’s mission of delivering intelligent, trust-driven trading solutions for the global diamond and gemstone market.
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