Lafarge-Holcim merger produces new CEO

Given the proposed merger of equals, and following a proposal from Bruno Lafont, the Lafarge chairman/CEO, the boards of directors of Lafarge and Holcim have approved the appointment of Eric Olsen as future CEO of LafargeHolcim, who will be in office from the closing of the merger project.

Eric Olsen is presently Lafarge executive vice-president, in charge of operations. He has been a member of the Group’s executive committee since 2007. The 51-year-old Olsen has American and French nationalities.

Olsen has an international and extensive experience, and successfully held senior positions in operations and in the fields of finance, human resources and strategy. Olsen also benefits from a deep experience of driving change linked to the roles he has played in matters of integration and organisation in multicultural environments.

“I very much welcome Eric Olsen as future CEO for LafargeHolcim,” said Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of the Holcim board and future co-chairman of LafargeHolcim.

“With his broad international experience and insights in key markets, he is best positioned to lead the combined company for the benefit of employees, shareholders and customers. Bruno and I will support Eric Olsen in creating a new joint culture that will be the key driver for our premier competitive position.”

Lafarge chairman and CEO, and future LafargeHolcim co-chairman, Bruno Lafont, said: “Eric has been proposed as future CEO of LafargeHolcim both for his personal and professional qualities. He has a deep knowledge of our activities, clients and markets. He is driven, with energy and determination. He is a true leader, with the ability to bring the teams together to drive a strong value creation culture for our shareholders. I have every confidence in his ability to deliver the synergies announced and ensure the development and the success of LafargeHolcim.”

ODINAKA ANUDU