PPC Ltd Announces Transformational Changes in Leadership Team

In a transformative move aimed at driving enhanced profitability and sustainable returns, PPC Ltd, a leading player in the South African cement industry, has announced significant changes to its Executive Leadership Team (EXCO). The changes follow the appointment of Matias Cardarelli as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 1 December 2023.

Restructuring for Growth

The Board of Directors of PPC has approved a substantial reorganization and strengthening of the EXCO to propel the company forward in the highly competitive cement market. The restructured team is expected to focus on operational excellence and strategic planning to achieve improved financial performance.

New Executive Roles

1. Chief Operations Officer (COO): Ernesto Acosta
   • Experience:
     Acosta brings with him 25 years of invaluable experience from the global cement company Intercement, where he previously served as COO in South Africa. His mandate as COO at PPC is to increase efficiencies, productivity, and spearhead cost reduction initiatives.
2. Chief Strategy Officer (CSO): Paulo Marques
   • Experience: Marques, with almost two decades of experience in planning, control, strategy, and finance positions in international cement companies Cimpor and Intercement, assumes the role of CSO at PPC. His expertise will be pivotal in implementing various profit improvement initiatives.
3. Chief Revenue Officer (CRO): Mokate Ramafoko
   • Responsibility: Ramafoko is appointed as CRO, tasked with creating a unified revenue engine and boosting PPC’s top line. His role is crucial in driving revenue growth for the company.
4. Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Company Secretary: Kevin Ross
   • New Addition: Kevin Ross joins the EXCO in the capacity of Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Company Secretary. His role emphasizes the importance of legal compliance and governance within the organization.

CEO Matias Cardarelli’s Vision

Matias Cardarelli, the newly appointed CEO, expressed his optimism about the changes, stating, “This is a transformational time for us at PPC. Building the new EXCO team is the first step in establishing the right organizational structure. At an EXCO level, I believe we now have the right blend of global and local cement industry experience, institutional knowledge, and energy to drive PPC’s growth, improve profitability, and enhance returns.”

Composition of the New EXCO

The restructured PPC EXCO is now comprised of:

New Recruits

PPC is pleased to welcome two seasoned executives to its team:

• Ernesto Acosta (COO): With 25 years at Intercement, Acosta brings a wealth of global and local cement industry experience, having managed various cement plants and operations in different regions.
• Paulo Marques (CSO): With nearly two decades of experience in international cement companies, Marques has held key positions in planning, control, strategy, and finance, most recently serving as CFO in South Africa.

Looking Ahead

PPC’s strategic restructuring signifies a commitment to fostering growth, improved profitability, and accountability within the organization. CEO Matias Cardarelli underlines the distinctive characteristics of the new team, emphasizing accountability, ownership, agility, and a focus on results as the driving forces behind PPC’s future success.