Equinor's Al Cook announced on Oct. 10 that he will resign to become CEO of a company outside the energy industry effective Apr. 1, 2023, according to a company press release.

According to Reuters, he will serve as CEO of diamond producer De Beers, with current CEO Bruce Cleaver stepping down to serve as co-chairman of the De Beers Group.

Cook, who serves as executive vice president of exploration and production international, said in the release, "I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to contribute in shaping and delivering Equinor's strategy of becoming a broad energy company. And I am particularly proud of the performance improvements we have delivered together."

He will continue in his executive role until April of 2023 in order to ensure a smooth transition to his successor, the company stated.

Cook joined Equinor as senior vice president of development and production international in 2016, where he was responsible for overseeing operations in South America, Africa and Russia.

Following that role, he served as executive vice president of global strategy and business development from May 2018 to January 2021.

"After years of commuting between Norway and the U.K., I now look forward to living with my family in London," Cook added. "But I remain a huge supporter of Equinor’s leadership in the energy transition."

Equinor president and CEO Anders Opedal added, “I would like to thank Al for his contribution to focusing and optimizing our international oil and gas business, and I congratulate him on his new appointment."