Dominik von Achten appointed new president of the GCCA
Calls for renewed joint focus to unlock full potential of global cement and concrete industry to build a sustainable future
DOMINIK von Achten, chairman of the managing board of Heidelberg Materials, has been elected as the new president of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), whose members are committed to achieving net zero concrete by 2050.
Dr von Achten was officially confirmed as president at the GCCA Global CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference in Mexico City in June 2025. He has been GCCA vice-president since 2023 and succeeds the outgoing president, Fernando Gonzalez, whose term of office now ends after two years, and who recently retired as chief executive officer of Cemex.
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 as they are versatile, durable, 100% recyclable, and locally produced. As their custodians, we are working with all available levers to deliver on our ambitious 2050 net-zero roadmap.
‘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.’
Dr von Achten is calling for a renewed joint focus from all GCCA members, both in the developed world and emerging economies, as well as for key partnerships and progress with governments and policymakers around the world, to put in place the policy enablers and systems to advance the industry’s transformation.
Thomas Guillot, chief executive of the GCCA, said: ‘I l 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 added: ‘On behalf of the board of the GCCA and all our members, I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing president, Fernando Gonzalez, for his significant contribution in steering strong progress on our advocacy efforts and driving the innovation agenda so effectively.’
Dr von Achten has worked for Heidelberg Materials since 2007 and brings a depth of experience in the cement and concrete industry. He has served as chairman of the managing board since February 2020, following his appointment as deputy chairman in 2015. He previously held senior leadership roles across North America, Western and Southern Europe, and oversaw the company’s digital transformation.
