World Cement Association Names Philippe Richart as CEO

09 Jan 2026 CW Team

Richart brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience in the cement sector, with extensive exposure across Asia, Africa and Europe. He began his professional career as a construction engineer before moving into the cement industry in the mid-1990s. Over the years, he held senior roles at Lafarge, later Holcim, spanning project development, operations, market entry and regional executive management.

His career includes leading cement and concrete businesses at both country and regional levels, managing acquisitions and joint ventures, and working closely with governments, financial institutions and local partners. Having operated across high-growth as well as volatile markets, Richart brings a deep understanding of the diverse economic, regulatory and competitive environments in which cement companies operate.

Welcoming the appointment, Rong Yakun, Secretary General, World Cement Association, said, “I wish to extend my welcome to Philippe Richart as the new CEO of WCA, and I am looking forward to working together with him towards the growth of WCA and continuing to provide services to the global cement industry.”

Commenting on his new role, Philippe Richart, CEO, World Cement Association, said, “The cement industry is rapidly changing to respond to challenges such as carbon emission reductions, global overcapacity and rising energy costs. In this context, WCA is an important platform for collaboration, sharing best practices and advancing the interests of the global cement industry.”

As CEO, Richart plans to strengthen member engagement and ensure the Association continues to represent the full diversity of the global cement sector. He has identified sustainability and decarbonisation, alongside innovation, digitalisation and advanced technologies, as central priorities for the industry’s future.

The World Cement Association (WCA) has announced the appointment of Philippe Richart as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at a time of significant change for the global cement industry. Richart succeeds Ian Riley, who joined the Association in 2019 and played a key role in strengthening WCA’s position as an independent and credible voice for cement producers worldwide.Richart brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience in the cement sector, with extensive exposure across Asia, Africa and Europe. He began his professional career as a construction engineer before moving into the cement industry in the mid-1990s. Over the years, he held senior roles at Lafarge, later Holcim, spanning project development, operations, market entry and regional executive management.His career includes leading cement and concrete businesses at both country and regional levels, managing acquisitions and joint ventures, and working closely with governments, financial institutions and local partners. Having operated across high-growth as well as volatile markets, Richart brings a deep understanding of the diverse economic, regulatory and competitive environments in which cement companies operate.Welcoming the appointment, Rong Yakun, Secretary General, World Cement Association, said, “I wish to extend my welcome to Philippe Richart as the new CEO of WCA, and I am looking forward to working together with him towards the growth of WCA and continuing to provide services to the global cement industry.”Commenting on his new role, Philippe Richart, CEO, World Cement Association, said, “The cement industry is rapidly changing to respond to challenges such as carbon emission reductions, global overcapacity and rising energy costs. In this context, WCA is an important platform for collaboration, sharing best practices and advancing the interests of the global cement industry.”As CEO, Richart plans to strengthen member engagement and ensure the Association continues to represent the full diversity of the global cement sector. He has identified sustainability and decarbonisation, alongside innovation, digitalisation and advanced technologies, as central priorities for the industry’s future.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..