Picaud will succeed current CEO Frankie Ng, who has decided to step down after nine years in charge. She will take up her new role at SGS’ AGM in mid-March, the company said.
In a video address to mark her appointment, Picaud, who only joined SGS in December, Picaud said the TIC industry was growing annually thanks to four “megatrends,” which she identified as: growing regulation related to sustainability; the rise in digital tech; the near-shoring of supply chains; and increasing regulation by local authorities.
Prior to her current appointment, Picaud joined SGS as lead for finance, digital and strategic transformation, mergers and acquisitions, IT and procurement.
Before this she was group chief financial officer and member of the executive committee at Holcim, a global leader in building solutions. She also served as Group CFO and member of the executive committee at Essilor International, an eye care company.
Calvin Grieder, SGS chair of the board of directors, said: “The board is delighted to welcome Géraldine Picaud to the helm of our group. She is an inspiring leader bringing the right blend of strategic vision and operational execution skills to SGS.”
Picaud said: “I am honored to assume the role of CEO and build on the strong foundation laid by Frankie. SGS is an iconic global leader in the TIC industry, with exceptional people and enormous future potential. I look forward to leading such a great company and to driving positive change in this dynamic industry.”