Ciments Francais names Jean-Paul Meric chairman, France

French cement producer Ciments Francais has promoted deputy director general Jean-Paul Meric to chairman, replacing Yves-Rene Nanot.

Mr Nanot has been nominated honorary chairman of the company and will continue as a director, taking part in the work of the board.

"The close collaboration established with Yves René Nanot shortly after the acquisition of Ciments Français by Italcementi has enabled one of the greatest industrial successes in  the Europe of the 2000s, recalls Giampiero Pesenti, Chairman of Italcementi, parent company of Ciments Francais.

"Through his experience and determination, we have created an integrated group able to reach out beyond the natural borders between Italy and France giving birth to the fifth largest cement producer in the world. A vision we shared and appreciated and which still remains today the foundation of our conception of the industry."

Fabrizio Donega, meanwhile, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer.