Building on more than 20 years of work advancing sustainable construction, the Foundation’s next chapter is centred on translating bold ideas into built impact. A key step in this new direction is its partnership with C40 Cities through the Reinventing Cities initiative.

To support this shift, the Holcim Foundation Board has expanded its multidisciplinary representation across the urban ecosystem, bringing together expertise in climate finance, urban strategy, resilient design, public policy, and sustainable industry transformation.

James Cameron, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London, has assumed the role of Chair of the Board of the Holcim Foundation.

An internationally recognised figure in climate law, policy, finance, and innovation, James brings more than 30 years of experience spanning civil society, government, academia, and business. He has played a leading role in the global climate movement and has advised COP presidencies, financial institutions, academic bodies, and public sector organisations. His appointment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to working at the intersection of sustainability, implementation, and systems change.

Alice Charles, Director for Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, joins the Holcim Foundation Board with deep experience in urban strategy, infrastructure, real estate, and climate resilience. Prior to Arup, she led Cities, Infrastructure & Urban Services at the World Economic Forum, where she advanced work on sustainable urbanisation, green transition finance, and inclusive city development. She has advised governments, city leaders, and businesses worldwide on achieving net-zero and improving urban quality of life.

Thure Krarup, Head of Global Public Affairs and Policy at Urban Partners, adds extensive experience in public policy, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and public-private collaboration. His background spans government, international organisations, philanthropy, and business, including roles in the Danish Foreign Service, with political leadership in Denmark, and with the World Economic Forum, the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Team, and the UN Foundation. He brings a strong understanding of how strategic urban and sustainability agendas can be advanced across institutional settings.

Signe Kongebro, Global Director for Future Resilient Design at Ramboll, brings internationally recognised expertise in resilient cities and sustainable construction. Formerly Partner and Global Design Director at Henning Larsen, she has led pioneering work across architecture, landscape, water, mobility, and infrastructure. Her career has focused on integrating sustainability and resilience into design practice, supported by strong use of data and digital tools to guide decision-making on complex projects.

Miljan Gutovic, Chief Executive Officer of Holcim, continues as a member of the Holcim Foundation Board. Since becoming CEO in May 2024, he has led Holcim’s work to decarbonise building at scale while delivering strong business performance. Since joining Holcim in 2018, he has held senior leadership roles across the business, including Head of Middle East & Africa, Region Head for Europe, and responsibility for Operational Excellence. His experience combines civil engineering, industrial transformation, and the scaling of advanced sustainable building solutions.

Carmen Díaz, Chief People & Sustainability Officer of Holcim, also continues on the Holcim Foundation Board. Appointed to her current role in 2025, she is responsible for aligning Holcim’s people and sustainability agenda with its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy. Since joining Holcim in 2002, she has held commercial and general management roles across Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, including serving as CEO of Holcim Spain. She brings a strong perspective on organisational leadership, sustainability integration, and culture change.

The renewed Holcim Foundation Board reflects the Foundation’s ambition to operate more strongly at the intersection of industry, cities, and global sustainability agendas.

Their combined expertise in sustainable finance, urban design, resilient infrastructure, public affairs, and industry leadership will help guide the Foundation as it focuses on accelerating the implementation of design excellence in cities — turning ideas into action and supporting real urban impact.

The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Maria Atkinson AM for her six years of dedicated leadership as Chair of the Board, and to the outgoing Trustees for their exceptional service and lasting contribution to the Foundation’s development.