Jan Philipp Jenisch, one of the most influential figures in the global construction industry, is steering Holcim into its next growth phase. After nearly a decade of leading Holcim through a historic transformation, Jenisch is now focused on completing the company’s strategic spin-off of its North American operations, a move designed to unlock significant value and accelerate growth in one of its most dynamic markets.
From Holcim CEO to Chairman and Strategic Visionary
Jenisch became CEO of Holcim Group in 2017 and transformed the company from a commodity-driven player into a sustainability-focused leader in innovative building solutions. Under his leadership, Holcim launched pioneering green brands such as:
- ECOPact – the world’s first low-carbon concrete
- ECOPlanet – a range of green cement products
- ECOCycle – a platform for circular construction and materials recycling
These innovations not only strengthened Holcim’s brand but also delivered strong financial results, including CHF 26.8 billion in revenue in 2021 and record free cash flow of CHF 3.7 billion in 2023.
North America Spin-Off: A Strategic Milestone
Since 2023, as Chairman of Holcim Group, Jenisch has been leading efforts to carve out Holcim’s North American business into a separately listed entity. The spin-off is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and SIX Swiss Exchange, positioning the business for focused growth and capital investment. While the new company’s name and executive team have not yet been officially announced, the move is seen as one of Holcim’s most significant steps toward scaling its operations in the U.S. and Canada.
A Proven Track Record of Transformation
Before joining Holcim, Jenisch served as CEO of Sika AG, where he tripled the company’s market capitalization and secured its place in the Swiss Market Index (SMI). Known for his sharp strategic acumen, Jenisch successfully combined bold mergers and acquisitions with sustainability leadership, an approach evident in Holcim’s acquisitions of Firestone Building Products and Malarkey Roofing.
“With decarbonization and advanced technologies transforming construction, there has never been a more exciting time for our sector,” Jenisch said during his 2024 transition speech.
Sustainability as a Growth Engine
Under Jenisch, Holcim became the first building materials company to achieve an SBTi-approved net-zero roadmap. The company reduced CO₂ intensity by about 5% annually and advanced carbon capture projects across Europe. Holcim also pioneered green logistics solutions, including deploying the first electric Volvo trucks for construction in Europe.
This sustainability-first strategy continues to guide Holcim’s North American growth plans, reinforcing its position as a leader in climate-aligned construction solutions.
Global Leadership and Influence
Jenisch has held several global leadership positions, including:
- President of the Global Cement & Concrete Association (2021–2023)
- Board member at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the European Round Table for Industry (ERT)
- Executive roles at Glas Trösch AG and involvement in Swiss-Japanese business councils
Public Engagement and Recognition
With more than 23,000 LinkedIn followers, Jenisch actively shares insights on circular construction, innovation, and sustainable leadership. He is a regular speaker at high-profile events such as COP climate summits and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Reflecting on his decision to hand over the CEO role to Miljan Gutovic in 2024, Jenisch wrote:
“Today marks a milestone. With Miljan as CEO, Holcim is in the best hands for its next chapter.”
As Holcim prepares for its North American spin-off, Jenisch remains at the forefront of shaping a new standard for sustainable construction worldwide.
