EPD Australasia Appoints Cyril Giraud as New Chair

25th Mar 2025

We are delighted to announce the appointment of experienced director Cyril Giraud as our new Chair, effective 26 February 2025. Having joined the EPD Australasia board in July 2021, he will succeed John McArthur.

As the Head of Sustainability, Planning & Environment at Holcim Australia & New Zealand, Cyril has been at the forefront of sustainable construction initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in statutory approval processes, stakeholder engagement, environmental practices, and sustainable solutions across France and Australia, he brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Chair.

Reflecting on his appointment, Cyril said he was honoured to be elected by the Board. “I have seen first-hand the positive impacts EPDs have had within my own organisation, the concrete industry, and the broader construction sector. Directors today face a range of complex and pressing challenges, and EPD Australasia plays a critical role in ensuring companies in Australia and New Zealand can communicate the environmental impact of their products in a standardised and credible format.”

He also acknowledged the leadership of his predecessor, noting the strong foundation he inherits. “John McArthur has admirably chaired the organisation since July 2022, and I take on the role of Chair at a time of strength. John and CEO Kelly Taylor have positioned EPD Australasia incredibly well, and I look forward to working with the Board to guide the Programme through its next phase of growth.”

John McArthur congratulated Cyril on his appointment and expressed his confidence in the future of EPD Australasia under his leadership. “Having worked alongside Cyril on the Board since his appointment in 2021, I am confident he will bring great energy and passion to the role of Chair,” he said. “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to work with the Board and CEO over the past three years.” While stepping down as Chair, John will continue to contribute as a Director on the Board.

Looking ahead, Cyril is optimistic about the expanding role of EPDs in driving sustainable practices across industries. “Although far from being a new concept, life cycle assessment (LCA) is gaining momentum as organisations and governments commit to decarbonisation. I see EPDs as a critical pathway to providing transparent and comparable data, enabling more informed decision-making,” he said.