Heidelberg Materials CEO takes helm at GCCA

Dr Dominik von Achten, chairman of the managing board at Heidelberg Materials, has been elected president of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), taking over from outgoing president Fernando Gonzalez following the organisation’s CEO gathering and leaders’ conference in Mexico City.

A long-standing figure in the industry, von Achten has held senior roles at Heidelberg since 2007 and has served as vice-president of the GCCA since 2023. His election comes as the association continues to push forward on its global net zero roadmap, which aims to eliminate CO₂ emissions from concrete production by 2050.

Dr von Achten said: “It is a great honour to be elected president of the GCCA. Cement and concrete are essential to modern life. Our building materials are here to stay — they are versatile, durable, 100% recyclable, and locally produced.

“Our members and industry are taking continuous action to reduce CO₂ emissions. I am convinced that concrete can become the world’s most sustainable building material — through continued innovation, active collaboration, and by driving global excellence.”

The GCCA and its members represent 80% of global cement production capacity outside China. Its roadmap, launched in 2021, was the first net zero commitment made by any global essential industry. As new president, von Achten has called for renewed joint focus and international cooperation, particularly in enabling policy environments that support decarbonisation in both developed and emerging economies.

GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot welcomed the appointment: “I look forward to working closely with Dominik over the next two years as we advance all elements of our work – sustainability, knowledge sharing, driving innovation, and forging key partnerships to make real progress together.”

Dr von Achten also paid tribute to outgoing president Fernando Gonzalez, who recently stepped down as Cemex CEO: “On behalf of the board of the GCCA and all our members, I would like to sincerely thank Fernando for his significant contribution in steering strong progress on our advocacy efforts and driving the innovation agenda so effectively.”

Heidelberg Materials is one of the world’s largest integrated building materials manufacturers, with operations in 50 countries and a growing focus on digitalisation and circular economy practices. Under von Achten’s leadership, the company has intensified its efforts around low-carbon technologies and industrial decarbonisation.