Sophie WU
Head of Geocycle North America (Holcim Group)
Toronto, Canada
Summary
Entrepreneurial Global Executive in Waste Management & Building Materials
20+ years of international leadership with Geocycle, Lafarge, Holcim, and Veolia, driving circular economy innovation, sustainability, and profitable growth. Proven track record in transforming waste into resources, delivering strong financial results. Skilled in marketing, strategy, M&A, and scaling circular business models across North America, Asia, and emerging markets. Kellogg MBA and Chemical Engineer with a career defined by impact, innovation, and high-performing teams.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Director of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions
Lafarge Canada
2013 - 2019
- Led end-to-end execution of 10+ acquisitions and joint ventures, enhancing market share and operational scale, including Lafarge's largest RMX acquisition in Toronto
- Directed comprehensive merger integration initiatives post-Lafarge-Holcim Canada deal
- Developed and implemented long-term business strategies aligned with corporate growth objectives, supporting sustainable value creation
- Spearheaded capital projects and organic growth initiatives complementing M&A activities, including new facility developments and product innovation
Marketing Director
Lafarge US
2011 - 2013
- Directed strategic marketing across 14 U.S. states and Eastern Canada, driving cross-border growth, expanding market share and promoting high-performance products and solutions
- Generated $12M+ USD in incremental EBIT by launching innovative offerings and optimizing pricing strategies to enhance competitiveness and margin performance.
Marketing Director
Lafarge China
2009 - 2011
- Developed and executed sales & marketing strategy for a new 2M TPA cement plant, launching a B2C model that drove $10M+ USD in annual EBIT
- Led supply chain optimization initiatives, delivering ~$5M USD in annual savings through improved logistics and procurement
- Built and led a high-performing, diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence
International Trading & Strategy Manager
Lafarge Malaysia
2005 - 2009
- Managed seaborne international trading of cement, clinker, and cementitious materials across Asia-Pacific
- Generating ~$100M USD in annual revenue
- Achieved record export revenue and profit from Lafarge South Korea during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Business Development Manager
Veolia Water
2003 - 2005
- Led Business Development for Veolia Water South China
- Securing a landmark 50-year water service partnership with Shenzhen Water Group to provide water supply and wastewater treatment for over 10 million residents
Quality Control Supervisor
Lafarge China
2000 - 2003
- Supervised cement plant quality control operations, leading lab teams, improving product performance and process efficiency
- Led the successful implementation of ISO9000 program
- Played key role in new product development (e.g., blended cement) and market certification
Head of Geocycle North America
Holcim Group (Amrize Group since June 2025)
2019 - Current
- Full P&L responsibility; delivered $120M USD EBIT in 2024 with double digit YoY growth over 5 years
- Led >3M tons of waste recycling and 1.1M tons CO₂ reduction in 2024, advancing circularity and climate goals
- Drove > $200M USD in strategic investments (organic & M&A), while building a high-performing, growth-oriented team
- Pioneered recycling landfilled fly ash beneficiation innovation, positioning Geocycle as a leader in waste management solutions and cementitious decarburization
Education
MBA - Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University
USA 05.2001 -
Bachelor Degree of Engineering - Chemistry
Wuhan University of Technology
China 05.2001 -
Skills
Executive & Strategic Leadership
Timeline
MBA - Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University
05.2001 -
Bachelor Degree of Engineering - Chemistry
Wuhan University of Technology
05.2001 -
Director of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions
Lafarge Canada
2013 - 2019
Marketing Director
Lafarge US
2011 - 2013
Marketing Director
Lafarge China
2009 - 2011
International Trading & Strategy Manager
Lafarge Malaysia
2005 - 2009
Business Development Manager
Veolia Water
2003 - 2005
Quality Control Supervisor
Lafarge China
2000 - 2003
Head of Geocycle North America
Holcim Group (Amrize Group since June 2025)
2019 - Current
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