The chief executive of cement group Adelaide Brighton Mark Chellew has announced that he will be stepping down from his long-term position in May 2014.

A mechanical engineer with over 23 years of experience in the heavy building materials and related industries in Australia and the UK, Chellew has served as the managing director of the company since September 2001.

Chairman Les Hosking said Chellew has been one of the most successful CEOs of an ASX-listed company in his 13-year tenure.

“Mark’s successful strategy has included diversifying the product range and enhancing Adelaide Brighton’s unique position in lime supply to the resource sector,” said Hosking.

“Vertical integration through the development of quarry and premixed cement concrete operations has further improved the company’s competitive position in the highly integrated Australian market.”

Martin Brydon, Adelaide Brighton’s current executive general manager (cement and lime) and an electrical engineer, will replace Chellew following his retirement.