Martin Casey succeeds Diana Casey 鈥� no relation 鈥� who is leaving the MPA to take up a new role.
Martin Casey worked for Cemex for more than 20 years, latterly as director for communications, public affairs and social impact. He joined the MPA as a consultant last year to support the association鈥檚 engagement with government to promote support for cement producers.
With cement imports to the UK having tripled over the past 20 years and domestic production falling to a 75-year low, Martin Casey鈥檚 appointment is seen as coming at a critical time for the industry.
Things might get worse before they get better: the introduction of new EU carbon border charges this year is expected to see global producers divert their cement shipments towards the UK rather than mainland Europe to avoid additional fees in the EU.
聽鈥淯K cement and lime are at a turning point,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e up against some difficult challenges, but we also have an opportunity to secure a sustainable domestic industry that supports growth, national resilience and the transition to net zero. We need to continue championing both sectors and to make the case for fair and competitive conditions. Diana has done excellent work to highlight the issues, and I look forward to picking up the mantle, working with members and colleagues to ensure that UK cement and lime thrive in the long term, and to remind policymakers that both are indispensable to our shared ambitions.鈥�
Chris Leese, executive chair of the MPA, added: 鈥淢artin has decades of experience, and he understands the strategic issues and opportunities facing cement and lime. He is already embedded in the team and has spent the past year advocating for both materials. At a time when UK cement and lime need a clear, confident voice, Martin is exceptionally well placed to build on the important work done by Diana and lead our efforts, support our members and help secure the future of a strong, competitive and sustainable domestic industry.
鈥淥n behalf of the MPA and our members, I would also like to thank Diana for her work advancing the interests of our sector over the past 15 years. She has been a brilliant colleague and friend to many and we wish her well in her future career.鈥�