World Cement Association Names Philippe Richart as CEO

12 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.

Equipment

06 Aug 2026

BKT Unveils Immersive Tyre Installation at Mumbai Airport

Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a global off-highway tyre leader with a growing presence in India's on-highway tyre market, has unveiled a distinctive brand installation at Mumbai International Airport (MIAL)'s T2 elevated road underpass. The initiative, inspired by BKT Tyres' ‘Elevate Your Drive’ philosophy reflects the company's evolution into a broader mobility brand by highlighting its portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The launch of the installation marks a significant moment as BKT expands its footpr..

Real Estate

06 Aug 2026

Grovy India raises Rs 150 million through preferential issue

BSE-listed Grovy India has raised Rs 150.1 million through a preferential issue of equity shares to support its expansion plans in the South Delhi real estate market.The company's board-approved preferential issue committee allotted 4.17 million equity shares of Rs 10 face value, raising Rs 150.1 million. Following the allotment, the company's paid-up equity share capital has increased to Rs 175.1 million, comprising 17.51 million equity shares.Grovy India said the participation of promoters and investors reflects confidence in its execution capabilities, growth strategy and position in South ..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Aug 2026

K2 Infragen secures BBB- rating for Rs 2 billion facilities

K2 Infragen has secured an ACUITE BBB- rating with a Stable outlook for its long-term bank facilities and an ACUITE A3 rating for its short-term facilities from Acuité Ratings & Research, covering total bank facilities of Rs 2 billion.The rating comprises Rs 1.27 billion of long-term borrowings and Rs 730 million of short-term working capital facilities.According to the rating agency, the investment-grade rating reflects K2 Infragen's business risk profile, revenue growth, execution capabilities and financial discipline. The assessment is also supported by the company's order book, which ..