Saint-Gobain's Governance Proposal: Renewing Leadership and Expanding Independence

Saint-Gobain's Board of Directors has announced proposals for governance changes, aiming to reinforce leadership continuity and enhance board independence. They suggest renewing Benoit Bazin’s mandate as Chairman and CEO, securing continued strategic direction and performance amid challenging environments. Bazin’s leadership has reportedly bolstered financial results, with an expected increase in operating margin and top three CAC 40 share performance in 2024.

In addition to renewing Bazin’s mandate, the Board proposes appointing three new independent directors: Maya Hari, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, and Hans Sohlström. This move would increase the proportion of independent directors from 82% to 93%, reflecting a commitment to diverse and independent governance. These appointments are pending approval at the General Shareholders’ Meeting in June 2025.

The new directors bring varied international expertise from sectors such as technology, consumer goods, and industrial materials, aligning with Saint-Gobain’s strategic priorities like innovation, sustainability, and geographical expansion.