Future LafargeHolcim CEO appointed
Eric Olsen, Lafarge vice-president of operations, appointed as future chief executive officer of LafargeHolcim
ERIC Olsen has been appointed as future chief executive officer of LafargeHolcim, with effect from the closing of the merger project.
The boards of directors of Lafarge and Holcim announced this morning that, having recently reached agreement on revised terms for their proposed merger of equals, and following a proposal from Lafarge chairman and CEO Bruno Lafont, both boards had approved the appointment.
Mr Olsen (pictured), who joined the Lafarge Group in 1999 and has been a member of the company’s Executive Committee since 2007, is currently executive vice-president of Lafarge, in charge of operations. He has extensive international experience having successfully held senior positions in operations and in the fields of finance, human resources and strategy.
Mr Olsen also has significant experience of driving change linked to the roles he has played in matters of integration and organization in multicultural environments.
Commenting on the appointment, Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of the Holcim board and future co-chairman of LafargeHolcim, said: ‘I very much welcome Eric Olsen as future CEO for 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 in creating a new joint culture that will be the key driver for our premier competitive position.’
Bruno Lafont, Lafarge chairman and CEO, and future LafargeHolcim co-chairman, 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, and 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.’
