THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has announced the appointment of Martin Casey as its new senior director for cement and lime.
He succeeds Diana Casey (no relation), who leaves the organisation in April to take up a new role.
Martin worked at CEMEX for over 20 years, latterly as director for communications, public affairs and social impact, and joined the MPA as a consultant last year to support the association’s engagement with government as it intensifies calls for urgent policy action to tackle UK cement’s competitiveness challenges.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the cement and lime industries. The MPA revealed that UK cement production fell to a 75-year low in 2024 as domestic producers grapple with some of the highest industrial electricity prices in the world, as well as high labour and regulatory costs. Cement imports to the UK have tripled over the past 20 years and are at risk of climbing higher in 2026 following the introduction of new EU carbon border charges, which could see cement diverted towards the UK to avoid additional fees in the EU.
Martin Casey said, “UK cement and lime are at a turning point. We’re up against some difficult challenges, but we also have an opportunity to secure a sustainable domestic industry that supports growth, national resilience and the transition to net zero.
“We need to continue championing both sectors and to make the case for fair and competitive conditions. Diana has done excellent work to highlight the issues, and I look forward to picking up the mantle, working with members and colleagues to ensure that UK cement and lime thrive in the long term, and to remind policymakers that both are indispensable to our shared ambitions.”
Chris Leese, executive chair of the MPA, added, “Martin has decades of experience, and he understands the strategic issues and opportunities facing cement and lime. He is already embedded in the team and has spent the past year advocating for both materials. At a time when UK cement and lime need a clear, confident voice, Martin is exceptionally well placed to build on the important work done by Diana and lead our efforts, support our members and help secure the future of a strong, competitive and sustainable domestic industry.
“On behalf of the MPA and our members, I would also like to thank Diana for her work advancing the interests of our sector over the past 15 years. She has been a brilliant colleague and friend to many and we wish her well in her future career.”
