Celine Coimbra is the CEO of LafargeHolcim Trading. LH Trading is a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim Group. Céline joined LafargeHolcim in 2012 as Project Manager for RMX Sales & Business Development in the corporate organization. In 2015, she became Strategy & Executive Assistant for the Region Head North America and later on for the Region Head Latin America. She moved to her previous role at Holcim Switzerland & Italy in April 2018, where she successfully built up the new market organization in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Céline has significantly contributed to the Group Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth” with the successful bolt-on acquisition and smooth integration of BHL Béton SA in 2019, as well as with the development of a new concrete product portfolio. Before joining LafargeHolcim Group, Celine managed a cluster of the RMX concrete business for the largest Portuguese Cement company, Cimpor. Céline is a civil engineer and holds a master's degree in Structural Mechanics from the University of Coimbra.
Why did you choose a career in the building materials industry?
Because my father was a construction worker who later built his own landscaping company. He would bring me along to his job sites and I was fascinated by the result of the job he was doing and how it materialised as lasting structures but also as people's happiness. This is why I chose to study Civil Engineering which then opened the doors to opportunities in the industry.
Can you tell us about your professional background, how you arrived at your current CEO position?
As a risk taker by nature, I would seize opportunities that came along which could impact growth, both mine and the company’s. I’ve never spent more than three years in any position. Not because I wanted to leave a position, but thanks to the myriad of new opportunities.
How did you manage to succeed in a predominantly masculine work environment?
My parents taught me to fight in life. Their key messages were: «Go ahead. Don’t be afraid. Take risks. If you make a mistake, learn from it, move forward.» My parents were Portuguese immigrants who arrived in the late seventies. The imposter syndrome in me was, and still is at times, strong, but I always push on and trust in myself.
Do you see yourself as a source of inspiration for other young women?
I find that we women don’t network enough, contrary to men who accumulate memberships in various business networks. I would like to engage more with women. But I’m not a rock star, I’m a normal person. I don’t hold an MBA or a PhD.
Would you say that it is easier to work in a male-dominated environment than a predominantly female environment?
It is not easier, but for me personally, more comfortable at times. Men speak out. They are more straightforward and don’t beat around the bush. I personally try to be clear and straightforward when I speak.
What are you most passionate about in your work?
I find it fascinating to see how different working environments affect people. How they can grow and perform when they are not afraid.
What part of your resumé demonstrates best how you were able to move up the career ladder?
The company as a team gets the job done, not the boss. I learned this right away, at my very first job managing 57 people. My experience as chief of staff during the Lafarge Holcim merger was a better learning experience than doing an MBA. It took me nine months to feel confident in my job.
How would you describe the cultural environment of your company?
After its merger of two formerly “enemy” companies, the new group’s culture has evolved positively. We are much more focused on what is happening outside the company, focusing on the net zero climate pledge and sustainable development.
How can you describe your mission in a way that could motivate young women to follow your example and what advice would you give to a young woman who is about to graduate?
My entire career has been composed of either sink or swim moments. What I would recommend is: “Don’t get hung up on titles. Whatever your job may be, just do it properly. And be indulgent with yourself.”
