Aggregate Industries CEO Pat Ward will move to rival Breedon Aggregates as group chief executive early next year

pat ward

Breedon Aggregates has lured Pat Ward to join the firm as group CEO from rival Aggregate Industries.

Currently CEO at Aggregate Industries – part of the recently merged materials giant LafargeHolcim – Ward (pictured) will succeed Simon Vivian, who has led Breedon as CEO since its creation.

Vivian recently indicated his wish to step down as group CEO and will move to a non-executive role with the company when Ward takes over early next year, once the terms of his departure from Aggregate Industries have been agreed.

Commenting on Ward’s appointment Peter Tom CBE, Breedon’s executive chairman, said: “We’re fortunate to have persuaded one of the most successful and experienced executives in our industry to lead our business through the next phase of its growth.

“I’ve known Pat for more than 20 years and it’s rare to find someone with his combination of deep industry knowledge and outstanding leadership skills. 

“It’s a measure of our achievement over the last five years that such a highly-respected figure within one of the world’s biggest building materials groups should decide to join the Breedon team.”

Ward said: “I’m delighted to be joining the UK’s largest independent aggregates business, having watched with interest the great progress made by Breedon since 2010. 

“It’s clear to me that it has been able to flourish through a combination of the commitment and dedication of its employees and the strong leadership of Peter and Simon.”

Vivian said: “While moving on is always difficult, I’m convinced that now is the right time for me to do so.  I’ve known Pat for many years and am delighted that he is succeeding me at such an exciting time in Breedon’s development.”