HCT appoints new CEO after Emir Adigüzel steps down

HeidelbergCement Trading (HCT) has made management changes following the departures of CEO Emir Adigüzel, and Deputy CEO and General Director Kerim Erben.

Emir Adigüzel joined the group in 1989 and became COO HCT in 1996. After the integration of the ITC trading arm Interbulk in 2016, he took over the extended responsibility as CEO HCT. During Emir Adigüzel’s leadership, HCT has expanded from a small trading arm of HeidelbergCement with a turnover of EUR25m in 1996 to one of the leading international trading companies, with a turnover of EUR1.75bn in 2018.

"I think we have come a long way since we started HC Trading as a small company in 1996. It has been an incredible journey. It is a very long time. It was a great success, but even great stories come to an end," said Mr Adigüzel.

Mr Adigüzel thanked the HC Group board members and especially Dr Bernd Scheifele for his support for the last 15 Years, and particularly in the last three years when he worked directly and very closely with Dr Scheifele.

Kerim Erben started his career with the group in 1991. He became Group Shipping Director HCT in 2002, before he took on the position of Deputy CEO and General Director of Trading in 2018.

After the successful integration of Interbulk into HCT the Managing Board concluded that it is necessary to adjust the strategic direction of HCT.

Hakan Gürdal, Area Board Member of Heidelberg Cement Group, will take over the responsibility at board level for HCT as of 5 April 2019.