Holcim Ltd. Country CEO, Mexico Jaime Hill has been appointed region head North America, gaining responsibility for the Holcim US and Lafarge Canada businesses and succeeding Toufic Tabbara. Hill joined Holcim in 1996 and has 30-plus years of experience spanning finance, sales and marketing leadership roles in the U.S. and Latin America. Management credits his track record of profitable growth, positioning the Mexico portfolio as the second biggest contributor to Holcim Ltd. operating profit.
Concurrently, General Counsel Corporate and M&A Lukas Studer has been promoted to group general counsel, effective November and succeeding Mathias Gaertner. As the lead attorney in the execution of Holcim’s fast-paced growth and portfolio transformation, Studer has played an essential role in a merger & acquisition strategy spurring 100-plus transactions in the last five years.
Dublin-based slag cement processor Ecocem has appointed Mike Donovan as technical director for its U.S. operations, ahead of a Port of Los Angeles grinding operation and terminal opening. He arrives with upward of four decades in the industry, including tours with Sherman Industries, Blue Circle Cement and Central Concrete Supply. Most recently, he oversaw development and commercialization of a natural pozzolan with Geofortis LLC. He joins Ecocem U.S. Operations Managing Director Steve Bryan in working with industry partners to support slag cement adoption and provide resources to North American government agencies, consultants and investors seeking guidance on low-carbon binders and concrete.
Jennmar, Pittsburgh-based construction product and service provider and part of the FalconPoint Partners portfolio, has acquired a Holden, W.V. blending facility from Wright-Mix Material Solutions LLC, central Appalachia’s premier contract blending and bagging services provider. The asset transaction supports the Jennchem subsidiary.
“The addition of a trusted, existing partner will greatly enhance our customer service and strengthen our ability to deliver J-Seal specialized foaming cement with the speed and efficiency our customers have come to expect,” says Jennmar CEO Tony Calandra. “Sincere thanks to Kendall and Shannon Wright for their support in ensuring a smooth transition.”
“We are excited to welcome Wright-Mix employees to the Jennchem family. This acquisition will strengthen our position in the market and allow us to further improve our product offerings,” adds Jennchem Chief Operating Officer Drew Morgan.
“We have collaborated with Jennchem over the last 15 years to develop and produce J-Seal and other products,” affirms Shannon Wright, president of Wright Concrete and Construction. “With new toll-building facilities under construction within our network, now is the right time for Jennchem to take full control of their product lines. We are confident in a bright future for our West Virginia employees and thank them for their loyalty and dedication.”
EPAM Systems Inc., Newtown, Pa. digital transformation and product engineering services provider, has entered an agreement to acquire Miami-based Neoris, a global advanced technology consultancy with more than 4,700 professionals across major talent hubs in the U.S., Latin America and Spain. The sellers are funds managed by Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. and Advent International, a seasoned global private equity investor.
Neoris specializes in delivering complex digital engagement and transformation projects for clients in the Americas and Europe, across manufacturing and service industries. “Cemex founded Neoris more than 20 years ago and led it to become a global technology consultancy,” says CEO Fernando Gonzalez. “We are proud of its track record and the role it has played in Cemex becoming an industry pioneer in digital technologies. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the newly combined team. This transaction is part of Cemex ‘s efforts to focus on its core businesses and aligns with our ongoing acquisitions and portfolio rebalancing strategy.” Cemex expects to continue partnering with Neoris to further its leadership in providing a superior customer experience through digital technologies, he adds.
“Neoris’ commitment to engineering quality, innovation, and strong level of client engagement, combined with their deep expertise across our key industry segments, makes them the best partner for us,” affirms EPAM CEO Arkadiy Dobkin. “This combination will significantly strengthen our presence in Latin America while we continue to enhance our differentiated delivery capabilities across Europe.”
BUSINESS OBSERVERS WATCH DRAKE READY MIX GROW
Fort Myers, Fla.-based Drake Ready Mix, founded in 2006 by a father-and-son team and now operating on a 10-acre site and 100-plus mixer fleet, is a finalist for the GrowFL Companies to Watch list, to be released this month. Sponsored by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award recognizes businesses that significantly contribute to Sunshine State’s economic vitality. Nominees have overcome challenges, displayed strong leadership, and fostered innovation, making a positive impact on their communities and industries.
“As a family-owned company starting out with less than 10 employees, we feel this recognition is a testament to our team’s passion and commitment to reliability, quality and value,” says President and Founding Partner Terry Drake.
“This year’s finalists showcase Florida entrepreneurs’ remarkable resilience and creativity,” adds GrowFL Companies to Watch Committee Chair Marius Dobren. “Their achievements in a dynamic business landscape inspire others to reach for excellence. As a marketplace for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, the GrowFL community is delighted to celebrate the finalists and looks forward to announcing the top 50 honorees.”