Global companies at the heart of world transformation

In July 2015, the historic merger between Lafarge and Holcim created a new building materials giant, present in over 90 countries with 115,000 employees. At the helm of the Lafarge group since 2006, Bruno Lafont quickened its transformation. In under ten years, he turned it into a global corporation and a reference point within the sector, with renown throughout high-growth emerging markets.Cement does not travel, and it therefore requires the necessary skills and resources to be developed locally, by adapting to essentially regional construction methods. This particular characteristic makes it a crucial element in understanding our world and the major challenges associated with urbanisation, population growth and climate change.Over a series of talks, Bruno Lafont helps us, through his practical experience, gain a better understanding of how a global company copes with diverse issues. Convinced that tomorrow’s companies and cities will still have a considerable role to play alongside states, he asserts that “in the interests of world growth and employment, we need to strengthen links between climate and economy, climate and energy, growth and competitiveness. Tackling only some of these challenges would result in serious imbalances”.Bruno Lafont, after having led Lafarge for ten years, successfully steered the LafargeHolcim merger and now co-chairs the company. He is particularly active in the domain of sustainable development and was closely involved in preparing the COP21 summit.Philippe Hardouin is an economist and head of the strategic influence consulting firm, CSPH International.