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.

Infrastructure Energy

18 Feb 2026

Larsen & Toubro To Divest Nabha Power To Torrent Power

Larsen & Toubro Limited, hereafter L&T, has agreed to divest its entire stake in Nabha Power Limited to Torrent Power Limited, with the companies announcing the transaction. The deal will transfer ownership of the thermal power project and associated assets to Torrent Power as part of L&T's portfolio rationalisation. L&T is a US dollar 30 bn Indian multinational engaged in engineering, procurement and construction projects, hi-tech manufacturing and services across multiple geographies. The company attributes its market position to a strong customer-focused approach and sustained quality over ..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Feb 2026

Centre Approves Road Projects Worth Over Rs110 bn

The central government has approved road projects worth over Rs110 bn across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The approvals follow a cabinet committee decision and are intended to improve connectivity and reduce travel times on key corridors. The package covers multiple stretches of national highways and involves both construction and widening works. In Gujarat, the ministry approved construction of four-lane sections on the Dhamasiya-Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha stretches at a combined capital cost of about Rs45.84 bn. The prin..

Infrastructure Urban

18 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, opening a national platform for Artificial Intelligence (AI) demonstration and dialogue. The event brought together innovators, researchers and technology enthusiasts from across the country and abroad to showcase applications and research. The inauguration underscored the government’s intent to position India as a significant contributor to global AI development. The prime minister noted in a post on X that being among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts offered a clear view of t..