Miljan Gutovic, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Holcim, is no stranger to transformation. After more than six years rising through the ranks of the building materials giant, the Australian-born civil engineer is now at the helm of one of the world’s most influential sustainability-driven corporations. As of May 2024, he’s leading 48,000 employees across 45 countries, with a sharp focus on decarbonization, innovation, and growth.
A Civil Engineer with a Global Vision
With a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney, Gutovic combines technical depth with boardroom savvy. Prior to becoming CEO, he held several senior positions at Holcim, including:
- Head of Middle East & Africa
- Region Head Europe
- Leader of Operational Excellence
Each role brought him closer to the operational heartbeat of Holcim’s diverse global business, helping him shape the future of the company’s eco-materials, carbon capture tech, and circular economy models.
Building Holcim’s Green Future
As CEO, Gutovic is amplifying the company’s shift toward premium, low-carbon solutions. He is the architect behind NextGen Growth 2030, a strategy to ensure Holcim’s offerings meet the evolving needs of the construction industry while delivering on ambitious climate goals.
Under his leadership, Holcim is aggressively expanding:
- ECOPact: A low-carbon ready-mix concrete
- ECOPlanet: A green cement portfolio
- Circular economy operations: Including material recovery and reuse
- Carbon capture technologies: Across EU pilot plants and emerging markets
“With decarbonization and advanced technologies transforming how we build, there has never been a more exciting time for our sector,” Gutovic said shortly after taking the reins.
M&A and Market Dominance
Gutovic is also steering Holcim’s M&A engine. Recent acquisitions include:
- Algimouss (France) – Specializing in sustainable roofing treatments
- Polish-based firms focused on circular construction
These deals are core to Gutovic’s vision of generating 50% of Holcim’s sales from low-carbon offerings by 2030. Backed by CHF 16.2 billion in 2024 net sales and CHF 3.7 billion in free cash flow (2023), he has the resources and momentum to deliver.
People First: A CEO Who Listens
Gutovic has earned internal praise for his people-centric approach. He frequently visits teams across continents, from Europe to LATAM, engaging with frontline talent and regional leadership.
“What stood out … was hearing from our NextGen leaders,” he shared from a 2025 LATAM visit. “Their energy reinforced why investing in talent is key to our future.”
His strategy blends sustainability with organizational development, emphasizing standardized learning programs, leadership mobility, and performance incentives tied to ESG targets.
Global Leadership Beyond Holcim
Outside Holcim, Gutovic is an active voice in the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Global Cement & Concrete Association (GCCA). He advocates for industry-wide decarbonization standards, aligning construction with the 1.5°C global warming target.
On platforms like LinkedIn, where he reaches over 19,000 followers, he shares insights on sustainable growth, leadership culture, and Holcim’s bold ambitions.
The Road Ahead
As Holcim transitions beyond the successful tenure of Jan Jenisch, Gutovic is tasked with executing on the momentum, while pushing innovation further. With aggressive sustainability goals and a growing portfolio of premium materials, Gutovic is repositioning Holcim as the leading force in climate-aligned construction.
