LafargeHolcim names new CEO

LafargeHolcim announces the appointment of Jan Jenisch as CEO from 16 October 2017. Jan Jenisch joins from Swiss company Sika AG.

Jan Jenisch (50) has been the CEO of Sika AG since January 2012. Under his leadership, Sika, which has a leading global position in the development and production of systems and products for the building materials and automotive sectors, has developed its business in new markets and set new standards of performance in sales and profitability, LafargeHolcim said in a statement. As a result, the market capitalisation of Sika has more than tripled and the company has recently gained admission to the Swiss Market Index, it added.

Beat Hess, chairman of LafargeHolcim, said, “Jan Jenisch is a CEO that is widely respected for consistently delivering strong business results and he comes with a deep understanding of the building materials sector. His agile leadership style and his personal skills will be a good fit with our company culture and the management team of LafargeHolcim. I look forward to working with him to accelerate the strategy execution of our company.”

Jan Jenisch, CEO designate, said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join LafargeHolcim. It is an iconic company and a global leader in the building materials industry with enormous future potential. I very much look forward to joining the global management team and to leading the company into a very successful future.”

Analysts at Bernstein Research have welcomed the news, stating that the appointment of Jenisch "ticks all of the boxes" given the issues at LafargeHolcim Olsen's sudden departure. "A very international leader with relevant industry experience who will bring clarity on strategy balancing long and short term; strong leadership to consolidate the company's culture and finish the integration and immediate credibility in front of investors. His quick appointment considerably reduces the transition period," it said in a note following this morning's announcement.