John Cockerill India Limited (JCIL) has announced the appointment of Frederic Martin as its new Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025. The decision was approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on July 29, 2025, following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The appointment is subject to shareholder approval, government clearances, and other required consents.
Frederic Martin, known as Fred, brings over 35 years of international experience in the ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from ENSAM (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers) and has been with the John Cockerill Group since 2005. His prior roles within the company include General Manager of CMI Thermline, Vice President of Operations, and leadership positions in China, the United States, and Belgium.
Most recently, Mr Fred served as Vice President for the Metals Business Line under John Cockerill’s Industry Sector. He has built a strong track record in engineering, business planning, operations management, project execution, contract negotiation, and international commercial activities. His background includes leadership roles at Fives Stein, Shanghai Stein Heurtey, and Durmech Engineering before joining the John Cockerill Group.
As he takes over as Managing Director of JCIL, Mr Fred will be based in India, succeeding Michael Kotas, who held the position for the past two years. Mr Michael will work alongside Mr Fred during August to ensure a smooth leadership transition before returning to Europe to take up new responsibilities within the John Cockerill Group. MrFred will continue in his role as Vice President Metals at John Cockerill Industry, providing strategic direction while strengthening the company’s footprint in the Indian market.
Francois-David Martino, Chairman of John Cockerill India Limited and President of the Group’s Industry Sector, commented “I would like to thank both Mr Michael and Mr Fred for their dedication and leadership. Their efforts have been key to our success, and I look forward to their continued contributions in their new roles.”
John Cockerill India serves as the Group’s center of excellence for cold rolling mill complexes. It is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of reversible cold rolling mills and offers advanced technologies in processing lines, steel treatment, thermal and chemical processes.
JCIL manages local engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing, and delivers the full range of the John Cockerill Industry product line. The company provides innovative solutions across industries such as steel, aviation, forging, casting, and mining, supporting clean and efficient industrial operations.
Founded in 1817, the John Cockerill Group develops large-scale technology solutions in sectors such as energy, industry, defense, environment, mobility, and infrastructure. The Group supports sustainable development by promoting clean energy, reducing environmental impact, and enabling modern industrial production. With more than 6,000 employees, the Group recorded revenue of €1.4 billion in 2024, operating in over 29 countries across five continents.
