Aggregate Industries CEO to join rival Breedon

Pat Ward, CEO of Aggregate Industries Europe, has agreed to join rival aggregates business Breedon in the same role from early next year.
Ward will succeed Simon Vivian, who is to step down as Group CEO and will move to a non-executive role with the Company, having led Breedon since its creation.

The AI CEO is expected to join Breedon early next year once the terms of his departure from the LafargeHolcim subsidiary has been agreed and the required regulatory announcement will be made at that time.

Simon Vivian said: “I’m tremendously proud of what we have achieved at Breedon and would like to thank everyone who has helped to create the business we have today. The Company has doubled in size since Breedon’s formation in 2010 and we have a great team with a unique blend of experience and capability. While moving on is always difficult, I’m convinced that now is the right time for me to do so. I’ve known Pat for many years and am delighted that he is succeeding me at such an exciting time in Breedon’s development.”

Pat Ward added: “I’m delighted to be joining the UK’s largest independent aggregates business, having watched with interest the great progress made by Breedon since 2010. It’s clear to me that it has been able to flourish through a combination of the commitment and dedication of its employees and the strong leadership of Peter and Simon. This dedication is also apparent in the company’s visible commitment to Zero Harm across the entire business.”