After more than four years at the helm of Votorantim Cimentos, Marcelo Castelli has resigned to become a member of the board of directors. Current COO Osvaldo Ayres Filho will succeed him.
Under Castelli’s leadership, Votorantim Cimentos grew and innovated, expanded internationally, advanced its go-to-market strategy, strengthened its adjacent businesses, set bold decarbonization targets, improved safety indicators, built a new 2030 strategy, reframed its culture, renewed its branding, and evolved its operational and financial performance, increasing its return on capital.
“I will continue to follow Votorantim Cimentos and celebrate with them, now in a new role,” said Castelli. “And there is nothing like leaving a legacy and being part of a solid succession process. My successor will be an in-house talent, Osvaldo Ayres Filho. Believing in internal talent has always been my hallmark and I am happy to, once again, reaffirm my conviction.”
Ayres Filho joined Votorantim Cimentos in 2012, holding positions ranging from financial director for the Europe, Asia and Africa region to global chief financial officer. Most recently he was COO, being responsible for the cement, logistics and adjacent businesses. Ayres Filho holds a degree in business administration from Mackenzie Presbyterian University and a postgraduate degree in administration from the Getulio Vargas Foundation.
“I am very happy and honored to assume the position of global CEO of Votorantim Cimentos, a company that I admire and has a culture with which I identify. I appreciate Castelli’s trust and friendship and the support of the board of directors and shareholders,” said Ayres Filho. “I am also grateful to all the mentors and colleagues I have had throughout my journey. Together with our team of more than 13,000 employees, in Brazil and in the other 10 countries where we operate, we will work to make Votorantim Cimentos an increasingly better and more admired company.”
