Holcim Australia has celebrated the development of 10 emerging leaders from its concrete products division, Humes.
The cohort of leaders has undergone three intensive modules, including leadership and safety, technical and operational excellence and sales and commercial acumen.
Humes sales manager Randall Hall said the program had a positive impact.
“The program really broadened my perspective on leadership and how different approaches can align and enhance my own style,” he said.
“Most importantly, it gave me lasting connections with leaders across the business. The collaboration was outstanding and gives me confidence in the strength of our people.”
The program is a key part of Holcim’s commitment to invest in its personnel which is part of its wider NextGen Growth 2030 strategy. The initiative helped the participants build a strong professional network through collaboration and relationships.
Humes production manager for precast and prestress Alex Stokes said the program improved his leadership and communication skills.
“The Future Leaders Program has prepared me for future opportunities by helping me build a growth mindset, create engaged and high-performing teams, and better understand our customers,” he said.
The group had undertaken modules of the training program throughout the year.
Earlier in the year, Participants came from New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia for the three-day event. The program focused on operational and technical skills including production planning, workplace safety, capital investment, and cost management.
The program included a site visit to Humes Pooraka in South Australia. The workshop at the production facility produces precast concrete moulds for the company across Australia.
Attendees were able to hear from senior leaders and subject matter experts from across the business, including operations, quality, people and culture, research and innovation, commercial and finance, health and safety, and major projects. Humes area manager for South Australia Colin McKeown shared his personal leadership journey showcasing his career development journey within the Humes business.
The participants gained a deeper understanding of production planning and KPIs, and practical tools, including dashboards, to manage performance and costs more effectively.
Bolstered leadership
In other big news for the company, Paul Casemore was confirmed as the new executive general manager of Humes earlier this year.
Casemore began the role in August. Casemore takes over the role following the departure of Guido Dewilde earlier this year, while Maurice Quinn has been filling the role in an interim capacity.
Casemore brings a wide range of industry experience to his new role.
Across Holcim and Humes, Casemore has held key leadership positions since joining the business in 1994.
“Paul’s appointment builds on the strong foundations established by Guido Dewilde, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Humes business in recent years. We also thank Maurice Quinn for stepping into the role on an interim basis following Guido’s departure earlier this month,” Holcim Australia posted.
“Based in Brisbane, Paul will lead the Humes business nationally as we continue to deliver innovative precast and infrastructure solutions to our customers across Australia.
“He is well regarded for his deep industry knowledge, customer focus, and collaborative leadership style.”
Industry recognition
Coralie Chapman has been named the new chair of the Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) board, succeeding Jacquelene Brotherton.
Chapman, who is also the national logistics manager for Humes, a division of Holcim Australia, has taken on the top job at TWAL, with Di Caldwell-Smith assuming the responsibilities of company secretary.
“I can’t thank the outgoing chair of TWAL, Jacquelene Brotherton, enough for the last eight years – for her guidance, friendship, and for taking Transport Women Australia to a whole new level. The association wouldn’t be where it is today without her leadership and dedication,” Chapman said.
“I have very big shoes to fill, and I hope I make her proud. I look forward to leading TWAL into the future.”
TWAL welcomed Chapman’s appointment paid tribute to Brotherton’s legacy.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our outgoing chair, Jacquelene Brotherton, for her exceptional and deep contribution, combined with her unwavering commitment to our mission. Jacquelene’s legacy has laid a strong foundation on which we now move forward,” the organisation said in a statement.
“As we enter this next chapter, we do so with excitement, fresh vision, and renewed energy to continue driving progress, innovation, and inclusivity within the sector. •
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