Jamie Gentoso

Holcim
Global Head of Solutions & Products

Holcim Building Envelope
President

25 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. In college, I worked for a construction management company in a junior project engineer role for 2.5 years to help pay for school, and I fell in love with construction and the construction community as a whole. I joined Holcim right out of college in technical services, left to work for other material suppliers (primarily construction chemicals and waterproofing), and returned to Holcim in 2018.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

I am inspired by the opportunity to create meaningful change in the built environment—whether through innovation, sustainability or fostering a more inclusive industry. As a leader, I prioritize collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring that projects balance technical excellence with practical solutions. My experience as a woman in this industry has reinforced the importance of advocating for diverse perspectives because the most effective innovations and strategies come from a range of voices at the table.

I also want to inspire young women to understand their potential in this industry. Construction and engineering are open to everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background. Our differences make us stronger, and the sooner our industry becomes more representative of society, the more powerful we’ll be—and we’ll be able to build even better.

What inspires you in your role? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your role, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

I greatly admire the many pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the engineering field, such as Magali Anderson, Holcim’s former Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer. Magali is a mechanical engineer who started her career with Schlumberger as a field engineer and evolved in her career to eventually lead Holcim’s sustainability efforts and our roadmap to net zero. As one of the “hard to abate” industries, she took on the challenge and Holcim became the 7th company (and first in our industry) to have our 2050 net zero roadmap validated by SBTi. Totally fearless!

She is truly a trailblazer. She has not only achieved remarkable things but has also broken barriers and set new standards for what women can accomplish in building materials. Her legacy continues to inspire me and countless others in the industry.

How do you think building can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Buildings are more than structures—they shape communities, impact the quality of life and influence social equity. Whether it’s through affordable housing initiatives, sustainable urban design, or resilient infrastructure, the AEC industry has a critical role in addressing climate change, social equity, resiliency, and access to sustainable resources. Women in leadership are driving this change by prioritizing inclusive design, sustainable materials, equitable access to resources and just building better! This leadership fosters an industry where innovation and social impact go hand in hand.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

The industry is rapidly moving toward circular construction, decarbonization and high-performance materials. There’s a stronger push for low-carbon materials, resiliency, energy-efficient designs and technologies that reduce environmental impact, and I see this momentum only increasing. More than ever, builders, designers, and manufacturers are collaborating to meet sustainability goals, and organizations like Holcim Building Envelope and our portfolio of brands are leading the way in integrating sustainable innovations into mainstream building practices.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

One of the most fulfilling moments of my career has been leading the rapid growth of Holcim Building Envelope, expanding rapidly through acquisitions (10!) and organic investment. In less than three years, we built a division with over 3,000 teammates and reached $4 billion in revenue.

Beyond business growth, I take immense pride in driving diversity and inclusion in the industry. My commitment to recruiting and retaining more women and minorities helped Holcim earn recognition as one of "America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 for Diversity" by Newsweek. Creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds isn’t just the right thing to do—it strengthens the industry, making us more innovative and successful. The sooner our workforce reflects the society we serve, the more impact we can have in shaping the built environment. This journey has reinforced my belief that leadership isn’t just about business success but about creating an industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Be bold, curious, and ambitious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take on challenges, and push boundaries. Surround yourself with mentors and advocates who encourage your growth, and always seek out opportunities that allow you to grow. The AEC industry is evolving rapidly, and women’s perspectives are essential in shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive construction.

Women in AEC can pave the way for future generations by engaging in mentorship, sharing their experiences, and actively supporting those entering the field. By participating in industry events, conferences, and panels, women not only highlight their contributions but also help normalize and promote female leadership in AEC. Visibility matters—when young women see role models thriving in the industry, it reinforces that they belong here, too. If you see it, you can be it!