Cemex Announces Leadership Transition with New CEO Appointment
Cemex, a global leader in the construction materials industry, has officially announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fernando A. González, will retire after more than 35 years of distinguished service with the company. The Board of Directors has appointed Jaime Muguiro as the new CEO, with the leadership transition scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025. This strategic shift comes as the company reflects on González’s legacy and prepares for the next chapter of its journey under Muguiro’s leadership.
Fernando A. González’s career at Cemex has been a defining one, both for the company and for the broader construction materials industry. He joined Cemex decades ago, and through his dedication and leadership, rose to become the CEO, a position he held for over a decade. Under his stewardship, Cemex made significant strides in multiple areas, including sustainability, digital transformation, and market expansion. His leadership has been pivotal in strengthening Cemex’s global position and enabling the company to weather various market challenges while continuing to innovate and grow.
Reflecting on his long career with Cemex, González stated, “My career at Cemex, especially my time as CEO, has been the most rewarding part of my professional life; serving our customers, employees, and stockholders has been a privilege and an honor.” González’s sentiments capture the essence of his tenure, during which he emphasized a deep commitment to Cemex’s stakeholders and worked tirelessly to uphold the company’s values. His legacy is built on a foundation of resilience, customer focus, and dedication to sustainable business practices that have shaped Cemex into the global leader it is today.
Cemex’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rogelio Zambrano, expressed deep gratitude for González’s contributions and leadership, noting, “I want to thank Fernando for his immense contributions to Cemex over the past 35 years. In over a decade as CEO, Fernando has led Cemex to great success, and he will leave us with a company that is an industry leader in sustainability, innovation, and digitalization to better serve our customers. Cemex has also regained its investment-grade ratings and is poised for continued growth. I am confident that Jaime is the right person to lead Cemex, and that his experience, vision, and expertise will serve the company well as we work to provide even more value for all our stakeholders.”
Under González’s leadership, Cemex not only regained its investment-grade ratings but also became an industry leader in key areas such as sustainability and digital transformation. One of the hallmarks of his tenure was a strong focus on sustainability. Cemex made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint and advancing environmentally responsible practices. The company became a forerunner in the adoption of alternative materials and waste reuse strategies, which helped reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, González led Cemex’s efforts to integrate digital technologies into the company’s operations. By embracing digital tools and platforms, Cemex improved operational efficiency and customer service, positioning itself as a digital-first company in an increasingly technology-driven market. Under González’s leadership, Cemex built a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that the company would be well-equipped to meet the demands of an evolving global construction market.
As González steps down, the baton will be passed to Jaime Muguiro, a highly experienced executive who has been with Cemex for nearly three decades. Muguiro’s extensive experience in various key business areas makes him an ideal choice to lead the company into its next phase of growth. Having joined Cemex in 1996, Muguiro has held several critical executive roles across the company’s operations. He has been involved in strategic planning, business development, and regional management across different parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Most recently, Muguiro served as the President of Cemex in the United States, where he led the company’s operations in one of the most competitive markets in the world. Additionally, Muguiro has served as CEO of Cemex Latam Holdings, the publicly listed subsidiary of Cemex, where he gained valuable experience in overseeing large-scale operations and managing complex business challenges. His deep understanding of Cemex’s global operations and his track record of success in various leadership roles make him uniquely qualified to lead the company forward.
Muguiro expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Board of Directors and the company’s leadership team, saying, “I thank Rogelio and the Board of Directors for their trust, and Fernando for his guidance and leadership, both of which have been a great inspiration to me. I am looking forward to this challenge and to collaborating with our customers, employees, and stakeholders to continue building a better future and ushering in a new era of sustainable construction.” Muguiro’s vision for Cemex aligns closely with the company’s core values, and he is committed to continuing the work started by González in advancing sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.
Muguiro’s appointment comes at a time when the construction materials industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by growing demands for sustainability, digitalization, and innovation. As CEO, Muguiro will face the challenge of leading Cemex through this rapidly changing landscape. However, his experience and deep familiarity with the company’s operations position him to effectively manage this transition and continue to lead Cemex to success.
The leadership change at Cemex is also significant because it highlights the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing and developing talent from within. Muguiro’s rise to CEO is a clear indication of Cemex’s ability to cultivate leaders who are well-versed in the company’s values and operational strategies. This continuity of leadership will provide stability as the company continues to build on its past successes while pursuing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
