The management of Africa’s leading cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement, recently announced the appointment of Onne Van der Weijde as new Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He replaces former CEO, Devakumar Edwin.
The Company stated that the appointment is in furtherance of the implementation of strategies put in place to drive operational efficiency, support its ambitious growth strategies and delivering shareholder value.
In an e-mailed response to questions from Bloomberg, former CEO Devakumar Edwin said the transition comes at a time when some of the large capital expenditure projects of Dangote Industries Ltd., which he handles, have started to materialize, as reported by Bloomberg.
According to the report, Mr Edwin said Dangote Cement could benefit from a predicted rise in cement prices in the country, and that projects such as a petroleum refinery, a petrochemicals complex and fertilizer plant, are now underway.
Having worked for several high profile companies, holding various top positions, Van der Weijde joins Dangote Cement with a wealth of experience. He held various positions in Holcim, a Swiss-based global building materials and aggregates company.
As Director and Business Planning Manager in Holcim (Australia), he developed a business presence in the South East Region of Asia through Joint Ventures and Acquisitions, providing support in the management of existing operations in the Region. He was also Chief Financial Officer of Holcim, Indonesia, and General Manager of Holcim, India.
Weijde also represented Holcim Ltd in Switzerland as the Senior Vice President, having the line responsibility for the Group of Companies. He managed the International Tax, Audit, Marketing and I.T functions of Holcim (Asia).
He was the Managing Director of Ambuja Cement, a major cement producing company in India, from May 2010 to April 2014.
Weijde held the position of Chief Financial Officer of ACC Limited (formerly Associated Cement Companies) from May 2006 to October 2008. He was responsible for Treasury, Reporting, Business Planning, Accounts, and Procurements amongst other responsibilities.
He’s also worked as the Accounting Manager of Equity Trust Bank Netherland, where he acquired new international clients, managing their investment portfolio, while fulfilling the necessary legal and financial obligations for the clients with special focus on mergers and acquisitions, as reported by WorldStage.
Van der Weijde is fluent in Dutch, English, and German. He holds an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
