LafargeHolcim CEO resigns

LafargeHolcim’s Board of Directors today announced it has accepted the resignation of Eric Olsen, CEO of LafargeHolcim. Eric Olsen will leave on 15 July 2017, two years after taking up the CEO role and assuming responsibility for successfully implementing the merger of Lafarge and Holcim.

“Eric Olsen is a leader who brought together two companies to create one genuinely global champion. We are very grateful to him for his efforts,” said Beat Hess, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The announcement comes after the multinational acknowledged that its branch in northern Syria had struck deals with armed groups, including Islamic State, to protect its staff and business interests.

Commenting on his forthcoming departure, Mr Olsen stated: “After two years leading LafargeHolcim, I am proud of what we have accomplished. Putting this merger on track is a huge success that reflects the relentless commitment and passion of our 90,000 employees all around the world and is visible in our results momentum. Today, the Group has everything it needs to successfully transform the industry and build sustainably our future world. I fully trust our teams to transform that ambition into reality. My decision is driven by my conviction that it will contribute to addressing strong tensions that have recently arisen around the Syria case. While I was absolutely not involved in, nor even aware of, any wrongdoing I believe my departure will contribute to bringing back serenity to a company that has been exposed for months on this case."

A search for Eric Olsen’s successor will be launched immediately. In the meantime, Beat Hess, chairman of the Board, will oversee the transition period until the appointment of the new Group CEO. From 15 July 2017, once Eric Olsen leaves, Beat Hess will become interim CEO and Roland Köhler, currently Executive Committee member with responsibility for Europe, Australia/New Zealand and Trading, will be appointed Chief Operating Officer.