In the framework of their proposed merger of equals, and following a proposal from Lafarge Chairman and CEO Bruno Lafont, the boards of directors of
Eric Olsen is presently Executive Vice-President of Lafarge, in charge of Operations. He has been a member of the French Group’s Executive Committee since 2007. A 51-year-old with dual American and French nationalities, Olsen has an international and extensive experience. He successfully held senior positions in operations and in the fields of finance, human resources and strategy. Olsen also benefits from a deep experience of driving change linked to the roles he has played in matters of integration and organisation in multicultural environments.
Commenting on the appointment, Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of the Holcim Board and future co-Chairman of LafargeHolcim, said: “I very much welcome Eric Olsen as future CEO for LafargeHolcim. With his broad international experience and insights in key markets, he is best positioned to lead the combined company for the benefit of employees, shareholders and customers. Bruno and I will support Eric Olsen in creating a new joint culture that will be the key driver for our premier competitive position.”
Lafarge Chairman and CEO, and future LafargeHolcim co-Chairman, Bruno Lafont said: “Eric has been proposed as future CEO of LafargeHolcim both for his personal and professional qualities. He has a deep knowledge of our activities, clients and markets. He is driven, with energy and determination. He is a true leader, with the ability to bring the teams together to drive a strong value creation culture for our shareholders. I have every confidence in his ability to deliver the synergies announced and ensure the development and the success of LafargeHolcim.”
The merger of Lafarge and Switzerland-based Holcim is due to be completed later this year, subject to the approval of shareholders of both companies.
