Covia Announces Laura Riquelme as Chief Financial Officer
Covia Appoints Laura Riquelme as Executive Vice President and CFO
Covia has announced the appointment of Laura Riquelme as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with the leadership transition set to take effect on April 6, 2026, marking a significant addition to the company’s executive team as it continues to strengthen its financial leadership and position itself for sustained growth across industrial markets
Leadership Addition Aligned with Strategic Growth
The appointment of Laura Riquelme comes at a time when Covia is focusing on expanding its capabilities and reinforcing its position as a leading provider of mineral-based solutions, with the company seeking to leverage experienced leadership to navigate evolving market dynamics, drive operational efficiency, and support long-term strategic initiatives aimed at growth and value creation
Riquelme’s extensive experience across multiple industries is expected to align closely with Covia’s growth strategy, particularly as the company continues to serve a wide range of industrial sectors that require consistent performance, reliability, and innovation in materials and solutions
Extensive Experience Across Diverse Industries
Laura Riquelme brings more than two decades of financial and strategic leadership experience, having worked across a diverse set of industries including specialty chemicals, lighting, power generation, and oil and gas, providing her with a broad perspective on managing complex organizations and navigating different market environments
Her cross-industry experience is particularly valuable for Covia, which operates in multiple end markets and must adapt to varying customer requirements and economic conditions, making strong financial leadership a critical component of its continued success
Previous Role at Zep Inc.
Prior to joining Covia, Riquelme served as Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc., where she held responsibility for overseeing the company’s financial operations and contributing to its strategic direction since 2022, gaining experience in managing financial performance within a company focused on specialty chemical solutions and industrial applications
Her tenure at Zep further strengthened her expertise in financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic execution, all of which are expected to contribute to her effectiveness in her new role at Covia
Leadership Experience at Cooper Lighting Solutions
Before her role at Zep Inc., Riquelme served as Chief Financial Officer of Cooper Lighting Solutions, where she played a key role in managing financial strategy and supporting the company’s operations within the lighting industry, gaining valuable experience in a sector that requires innovation, efficiency, and responsiveness to changing market demands
This experience adds to her track record of leading financial operations in complex, technology-driven industries, further enhancing her ability to contribute to Covia’s strategic objectives
Early Career and Roles at General Electric Company
Earlier in her career, Riquelme held a variety of finance leadership roles at General Electric Company, working in both domestic and international assignments, which provided her with a strong foundation in financial management, global operations, and strategic planning within one of the world’s most recognized industrial organizations
Her time at General Electric helped shape her approach to leadership and problem-solving, equipping her with the skills needed to manage complex financial environments and support organizational growth across different regions and markets
Proven Track Record in Mergers and Transformations
Throughout her career, Riquelme has demonstrated a strong ability to lead large-scale mergers and acquisitions, as well as complex business transformations and turnaround initiatives, highlighting her capability to manage change and drive performance improvements in challenging environments
These experiences are particularly relevant for Covia as it continues to pursue opportunities for growth, operational optimization, and potential strategic transactions, with strong financial leadership playing a critical role in executing such initiatives successfully
Academic Background and Professional Foundation
Riquelme holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, providing her with a solid academic foundation in business and finance, which has supported her professional development and success across multiple leadership roles
Her educational background, combined with her extensive practical experience, positions her well to take on the responsibilities of leading Covia’s financial strategy and operations
CEO Perspective on the Appointment
Bruno Biasiotta, President and CEO of Covia, emphasized the importance of Riquelme’s appointment, noting that her extensive financial expertise and industry experience align closely with the company’s growth strategy, and highlighting the role her leadership is expected to play in supporting Covia’s continued success
Biasiotta also expressed confidence in her ability to contribute to the company’s strategic direction and operational performance, welcoming her to the organization on behalf of the leadership team and the board of directors
Strengthening Financial Leadership for Future Growth
The addition of Riquelme to Covia’s executive team reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership capabilities as it navigates a dynamic and competitive industrial landscape, with a focus on enhancing financial discipline, improving operational efficiency, and supporting strategic initiatives that drive long-term growth
Her leadership is expected to play a key role in aligning financial strategy with business objectives, ensuring that the company remains well positioned to capitalize on opportunities across its diverse end markets
Overview of Covia’s Business and Market Presence
Covia operates as a leading provider of diversified mineral solutions, serving a wide range of industrial markets including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation, with its products playing a critical role in enabling performance and innovation across these sectors
The company’s portfolio includes high-quality materials such as high-purity silica sand, nepheline syenite, feldspar, kaolin and ball clays, cristobalite, and coated materials, reflecting its ability to meet diverse customer needs with specialized solutions
Commitment to Innovation and Customer-Centric Solutions
A key aspect of Covia’s approach is its focus on innovation driven by customer needs, with long-standing relationships across a broad customer base enabling the company to develop solutions that enhance performance and deliver value, while also adapting to changing market requirements and technological advancements
This customer-centric approach is supported by the company’s technical expertise and commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape
Focus on Sustainability and Responsible Operations
Covia places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible development, integrating environmental and social considerations into its operations and business strategy, with a commitment to safety and sustainable practices forming a core part of its value proposition
The company’s approach to sustainability not only supports regulatory compliance but also enhances its reputation and strengthens relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders who increasingly prioritize responsible business practices
Strategic Importance of Financial Leadership in Industrial Markets
In industries characterized by capital intensity, regulatory complexity, and evolving customer demands, strong financial leadership is essential for managing resources effectively, supporting innovation, and ensuring long-term stability and growth, making the role of Chief Financial Officer particularly critical in guiding strategic decision-making
With her extensive experience and proven track record, Riquelme is expected to contribute significantly to Covia’s ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities in its key markets
Outlook for Covia Under New Financial Leadership
As Covia continues to pursue its growth strategy and expand its presence across industrial markets, the appointment of Laura Riquelme as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer represents a strategic step in strengthening its leadership team and enhancing its ability to execute on its objectives, while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability
With a strong foundation, a diverse product portfolio, and experienced leadership in place, Covia is well positioned to continue delivering value to its customers and stakeholders, with Riquelme’s expertise expected to play a central role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and supporting its long-term success
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