Belgium: Daniel Gauthier, CEO of Western Europe-Africa and member of the managing board of HeidelbergCement, has been elected as president of CEMBUREAU for a two-year term after having completed his mandate of vice president over the last two years. He takes over from Peter Hoddinott, executive vice president of performance and member of the executive committee at Lafarge. In addition, Gonçalo Salazar Leite, CEO of Secil, has been elected as vice president of CEMBUREAU for a two-year term.

"The industry must now build upon the accomplishments of 'The Concrete Initiative," said Gauthier. The initiative was launched one year ago. "Concrete is essential to Europe's future, providing the buildings and infrastructure that society needs, as well as growth and jobs. The circular economy, competitiveness and climate change will also remain at the forefront of CEMBUREAU's activities."

"With the election of Gauthier, CEMBUREAU and the priorities of the european cement sector are in excellent hands," said Hoddinott. "He will advance and reinforce the agendas of putting the cement industry forward as a solution provider, where concrete can fulfill both the aspirations of the end users of construction and act as a partner in fulfilling the needs of policymakers."

"I take this opportunity to thank Peter Hoddinott for his commitment to the Association over the last two years," said Koen Coppenholle, CEMBUREAU chief executive. "We are now at a turning point. After a protracted period of negative growth, Europe is getting back on its feet. Indeed, our 2014 activity report shows some glimmers of hope for our sector."

Compared to 2013, 2014 cement production in the CEMBUREAU member countries saw a very moderate recovery, rising by 0.3% year-on-year to 235.5Mt after the drops recorded in 2013 and 2012 (1.4% and 8.2% respectively) and having fallen by 27% since 2007. Developments in cement demand were in line with the upturn in the general economic and construction environment, particularly over the second half of the year, reflecting somewhat improved sentiment and activity, despite tight budgetary conditions in many member states. Global cement production has been estimated at 4.3Bnt in 2014, translating into a 6.7% increase compared to the 4Bt recorded in 2013. The CEMBUREAU member countries accounted for 5.5% of global production, with China representing 56.5%, compared to 58.3% in 2013. Without taking into account China, global cement production increased year-on-year by 11.3%.

India: India Cements has appointed P L Subramanian as a non-executive director with immediate effect. Subramanian joined the company in 1986 and has served in various positions. He was serving as its executive director of operations and retired from service in May 2015.

US: FCT, the rotary kiln pyro-processing company, is pleased to announce that Adriano Greco has joined the team at FCT as Global Sales Director, based in the United States.

Mr Greco is known to many in the cement industry through his previous activities as Managing Director of Greco and as Sales Director for Gebr. Pfeiffer. FCT said that his experience and professionalism would be 'invaluable as FCT extends its reach to the markets across the globe.'

FCT already has operations in Australia, United States, Europe, Middle East and Canada and continues to expand with projects in every continent.

US: Ash Grove Cement Company has announced that James P Sunderland, former company chairman and president, died on 27 May 2015. Sunderland joined Ash Grove Lime and Portland Cement Company in 1957 as its corporate secretary in Kansas City. In his 43-year career at Ash Grove Cement, Sunderland held several leadership positions, including serving as the company's chairman and president. During Sunderland's tenure, Ash Grove Cement became one of the largest Portland cement producers in the US.