In a unanimous decision made during an Extraordinary General Meeting on July 14th, 2023, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) of India elected Neeraj Akhoury, the managing director of Shree Cement, as its President. Akhoury, with over three decades of extensive experience in the steel and cement industries, has held various leadership positions in India and emerging markets. Parth Jindal, the managing director of JSW Cement, was also chosen as the Vice President, making him the youngest individual to hold this position in the association’s nearly six-decade history. His appointment is expected to inject fresh energy and perspectives into addressing the key challenges faced by the Indian cement industry, including driving decarbonization efforts and promoting digital transformation within the sector.
The CMA, established in 1946, serves as the apex body for large cement plants in India, representing approximately 90% of the nation’s total installed cement capacity. Its primary objective is to foster the growth and development of the Indian cement industry. To achieve this goal, the CMA engages in various activities, including policy research and analysis to identify industry challenges, advocating for the industry’s interests with the government, establishing and promoting industry standards, providing training and educational programs, and supporting research and development initiatives to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the Indian cement sector. As a member of the World Cement Association and the Asia Cement Federation, the CMA also maintains close collaborations with other industry associations and government entities.