CEMBUREAU appoints Cliona Cunningham to lead urgent climate and communications drive
CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, has announced the appointment of Cliona Cunningham as its new Public Affairs & Communications Director. Cunningham's arrival comes at a pivotal time for the European cement industry, particularly as the sector aims to align itself with the ambitious climate goals established by the European Union. With the global push for sustainability and the acceleration of digital transformation, her role is set to be critical in navigating the changing policy and communication landscape.
Cunningham will spearhead CEMBUREAU's advocacy and communications strategy, focusing on emphasising the cement industry's essential contributions to industrial decarbonisation and its role in bolstering Europe's economic resilience. Her experience in EU public affairs positions her uniquely to articulate complex policy priorities into strategic outreach efforts. The cement sector is central to achieving Europe’s ambition for a carbon-neutral future, particularly in light of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal—an initiative designed to promote sustainable practices and support the development of green technologies.
In her statement, Cunningham articulated her vision for the sector, saying, “The European cement sector has a vital contribution to make in building Europe’s future, in every sense of the word. I’m very pleased to join CEMBUREAU at such a dynamic time, and I look forward to working with our members and stakeholders to help shape the debate with clarity, credibility, and ambition.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to fostering a collaborative dialogue within the industry and with policymakers.
Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU, expressed enthusiasm about her appointment, noting that her expertise will be crucial in communicating the cement sector's pivotal role in enhancing both climate ambition and industrial resilience. He stated, “Her experience will be key in helping us communicate how our sector is not only decarbonising, but also contributing to Europe’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and leadership in clean industrial innovation.” Thus, Cunningham's leadership is expected to bridge the gap between industrial needs and climate objectives, reinforcing CEMBUREAU’s strategic importance in European policy discussions.
The association itself has a long-standing commitment to promoting the sustainable development of the cement industry. Founded as the advocacy body for cement producers across Europe, CEMBUREAU aims to represent the interests of its members while fostering dialogue among various stakeholders, including industry actors, civil society, and governmental entities. The association's strategic agenda includes advocating for policies that nurture both competitiveness and sustainability within the sector.
As Europe steers towards its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, through initiatives such as the European Climate Law, the role of organisations like CEMBUREAU becomes even more critical. The EU's comprehensive plan for climate action highlights measures that include enhancing renewable energy production, improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture technologies. These strategies are essential for establishing a resilient industrial ecosystem capable of adapting to ecological and economic challenges.
In this context, Cunningham's arrival signals a new phase of advocacy for CEMBUREAU, as the cement industry navigates the intersecting demands of sustainability and economic growth. The integrated perspective she brings will be instrumental in shaping both public and political discourse, aiming to secure the concrete sector's vital role in Europe’s green transition. Her strategic engagement will not only define the association's narrative but also help establish the cement industry as a leader in the European drive towards a sustainable and competitive future.