The PPC board of directors (the Board) has announced the appointment of Matias Cardarelli as chief executive officer (CEO)  of PPC. His appointment follows an extensive search for a suitable successor for Roland van Wijnen, whose contract was extended to 31 December 2023 to facilitate an appropriate handover and transition. 

 Track record 

 Cardarelli has a remarkable track record in the cement industry, across multiple emerging markets including the last five years in South Africa as CEO and chairman of Natal Portland Cement (NPC), part of Intercement Group. With a deep understanding of the local industry and a proven leadership skillset, Cardarelli will play a pivotal role in driving PPC’s growth, improving profitability and enhancing returns. 

 “I am excited to be joining PPC at this important time in its journey and highly value the trust placed in me by the Board. I equally look forward to working together with the PPC team as we write this iconic company’s next chapter. In the five years we have lived here, my family and I have come to deeply love South Africa and its people. I look forward to contributing positively to both PPC and the country,” says Cardarelli. 

 Expressing thanks 

 The Board thanked outgoing CEO, Roland van Wijnen. Under his leadership, PPC underwent a strategic repositioning by successfully implementing a restructuring of its debt, realigning its governance and reporting procedures and re-focussing its growth objectives in Southern Africa, whilst navigating the challenges posed by Covid-19. 

 Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://www.ppc.africa/ for the information in this editorial. 

 “I look forward to working together with the PPC team as we write this iconic company’s next chapter.” – Matias Cardarelli