Ambuja Cements Appoints Vinod Bahety as CEO Amid Sustainability Drive
Ambuja Cements, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced key leadership changes aimed at strengthening its sustainability agenda and reinforcing its position in the market.
Effective April 1, 2025, Ajay Kapur, who has served as CEO, will transition to the role of Managing Director (MD) for a two-year term. Kapur brings over three decades of extensive experience across sectors such as cement, construction, power, and heavy metals. His leadership has been pivotal in steering Ambuja through transformative growth phases, and his continued role as MD is expected to further drive the company’s strategic initiatives.
Concurrently, Vinod Bahety, who has been the finance chief for Ambuja and its subsidiary ACC since September 2022, will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a three-year term. Bahety’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to harness his financial acumen and leadership expertise to propel Ambuja towards its ambitious long-term goals. His deep understanding of the company’s operations and financial strategies positions him well to lead Ambuja through the evolving challenges of the cement industry.
These leadership changes come at a time of intensified consolidation within India’s cement sector. Ambuja Cements has been actively pursuing acquisitions to strengthen its market share, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to industry giants like UltraTech Cement. This strategic positioning aligns with expectations of continued government investment in infrastructure, which is anticipated to drive demand across the sector.
Ambuja Cements has long been committed to sustainability, with a clear roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company’s interim targets include reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 21% per tonne of cementitious materials by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. This commitment is part of its broader sustainability framework, focusing on reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
In alignment with these sustainability objectives, Ambuja Cements has committed an investment of ₹6,000 crore (approximately US$720 million) in green power projects. This substantial investment aims to develop a renewable energy capacity of 1,000 MW by FY2026, incorporating a mix of solar and wind power projects. These initiatives are strategically located across Gujarat and Rajasthan, regions known for their renewable energy potential. The move is expected to reduce the company’s power costs significantly while lowering its carbon footprint, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ambuja’s sustainability strategy also includes a partnership with Finland-based Coolbrook to implement zero-carbon heating technology in its cement manufacturing processes. This collaboration aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly cutting carbon emissions and advancing the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
These leadership transitions and sustainability initiatives underscore Ambuja Cements’ strategic focus on excellence, environmental responsibility, and long-term growth. As the company continues to adapt to market dynamics and environmental challenges, its new leadership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ambuja Cements and contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly industry.
