Ethiopia: Tamiru Wondimagegn has been appointed as board chairman of Habesha Cement. He is a prominent lawyer and board member of Habesha Cement. He succeeds Gizaw Teklemariam, who previously worked in the oldest state owned cement factory, Mugher.

Habesha held elections for its board in late January 2013, following a reduction in board places from 12 to nine. The Ethiopian cement producer has also given three board of directors seats to two South African companies, International Development Corporation and Pretoria Portland Cement, which are credited for bringing in 49% equity to Habesha.

Ireland: Myles Lee, the Group Chief Executive of CRH, has confirmed to the board that he intends to retire from the company at the end of 2013 having reached the age of 60. CRH has indicated that it was likely that Albert Manifold, CRH's CEO, would become the new chairman.

Lee has completed a five year term as chief executive and 10 years as an executive director. Lee joined CRH in 1982, joining the board in November 2003 as finance director, later becoming chief executive in January 2009.

Netherlands: Van Aalst Bulk Handling B.V. has appointed Dick Borst as International Sales Manager. Borst will be added to the sales team of Van Aalst Bulk handling, that currently consists of A van Aalst and H van Est. Van Aalst Bulk Handling is a producer of shore based pneumatic ship (un)loading systems for abrasive bulk powders such as cement and fly ash.

India: JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange that Shri Hari Shankar Singhania, chairman of the board of directors of the company and president, JK Organisation, passed away on 22 February 2013 at the age of 80.