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James Hardie Industries

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FY2020 Annual Report · James Hardie Industries
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ANNUAL 
REVIEW 
FISCAL 2020
1 APRIL 2019 – 
31 MARCH 2020

CREATING A 
NEW HARDIE

CONTENTS

Operations overview 

Results at a glance 

Chairman’s message 

CEO’s report 

Sustainability overview 

Shareholder information 

2

4

6

8

12

36

JAMES HARDIE 
IS AN INNOVATIVE, 
CUSTOMER-FOCUSED 
COMPANY.

James Hardie understands building 
professionals and serves them with 
innovative building products and 
solutions. As the world’s largest 
manufacturer and marketer of 
fiber cement and fiber gypsum, 
James Hardie empowers its 
people to innovate and capitalize 
on  the company’s global scale.

Always driven to find a better way 
to build, James Hardie applies a 
continuous improvement mindset 
to research and development, 
manufacturing and sales. 
This powers consistent growth 
above market and strong returns 
while delivering value to customers 
and shareholders, and motivating 
employees around the world.

The result isn’t just growth above 
market and strong returns; it’s better 
buildings and stronger communities. 
James Hardie helps inspire and deliver 
beautifully designed homes that are 
more durable, more functional, and 
easier to build. The improvement 
in liveability and streetscape 
aesthetics benefit homeowners 
and communities, alike.

1

2020 Annual ReviewOPERATIONS 
OVERVIEW

In fiscal year 2020 we 
continued our significant 
transformation while 
creating considerable 
value for our investors, 
customers, employees 
and the communities 
in which we operate.

GROUP

NET SALES

$2,607M

 4% from 2019

NORTH AMERICA FIBER CEMENT

NET SALES

$1,816M

 8% from 2019

North America

$1,816M

Asia Pacific $418M

Europe $371M

Other $1M

EBIT 2

EBIT MARGIN 2

$471M

 21% from 2019

25.9%

 2.8pts from 2019

EBIT 2 

EBIT MARGIN 2 

GROSS PROFIT 

$487M

 20% from 2019

18.7%

 2.6pts from 2019

17%

from 2019

AVERAGE NET 
SALES PRICE 

$725per msf

 1% from 2019

ADJUSTED  
NOPAT 1

CASHFLOW FROM 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$353M

 17% from 2019

$451M

 48% from 2019

Please refer to the inside back cover for full footnote references. 
Unless otherwise stated all items denoted are in US currency.

2

SALES VOLUME

2,482mmsf

 8% from 2019

Our substantial investments in our people, manufacturing operations, 
market development programs, and market-driven innovation have 
enabled James Hardie to further advance our industry leadership position 
and create sustainable, profitable growth.

KEY 

  Research & Development 

  Manufacturing Facilities

ASIA PACIFIC FIBER CEMENT

EUROPE BUILDING PRODUCTS

NET SALES

$418M

 6% from 2019

NET SALES

$371M

 1% from 2019

EBIT 2

EBIT MARGIN 2

EBIT 2

EBIT MARGIN 2

$95M

 5% from 2019

22.7%

 0.4pts from 2019

$17M

 67% from 2019

4.5%

 1.8pts from 2019

GROSS PROFIT 

5%

from 2019

AVERAGE NET 
SALES PRICE 

$700per msf

 3% from 2019

GROSS PROFIT 

1%

from 2019

AVERAGE NET 
SALES PRICE 

$345per msf

 3% from 2019

SALES VOLUME

533mmsf

 2% from 2019

SALES VOLUME

828mmsf

 1% from 2019

3

2020 Annual ReviewRESULTS  
AT A GLANCE

SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE GROWTH

ADJUSTED NET 
OPERATING  
PROFIT 1

$353M

353

301

291

243 249

NET SALES 

ADJUSTED  
EBIT 2 

$2,607M

$487M

ADJUSTED 
DILUTED EARNINGS 
PER SHARE 1

79 cents

2,607

2,507

487

79

2,055

1,922

1,728

398 405

351 354

68

66

56

54

16

17

18

19

20

16

16

17

17

18

18

19

19

20

20

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

NORTH AMERICA 
EBIT MARGIN 2

DIVIDENDS PAID 
PER SHARE

ADJUSTED RETURN 
ON CAPITAL 
EMPLOYED 2

26%

26

24

23

23

36 cents

31%

26

58

31

31

31

29

28

39

38

40

36

GLOBAL 
EMPLOYEES 

4,869

4,916

4,869

3,960

3,577

3,257

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

Please refer to the inside back cover for full footnote references. Unless otherwise stated all items denoted are in US currency.

4

 
 
GLOBAL STRATEGY

Our global strategy is to deliver organic growth above market with 
strong returns and to be #1 in every market we choose to participate in.

This strategy begins with the foundation of Zero Harm; we are committed to safe people, safe places and 
safe systems. The culture of our global company and employee engagement is also critical to our success. 
We are cultivating an engaged workforce that is empowered and accountable, that works cross functionally, 
shares and replicates best-practices, and maintains a global and continuous improvement mindset.

Our global strategy is underpinned by four clear strategic pillars:

•  Full Hardie Exterior

•  Expand Interior Business

•  Innovation

•  Lean Manufacturing.

Organic growth above 
market with strong returns

Be #1 in every market we choose to participate in

Full 
Hardie 
Exterior

Expand 
Interior  
Business

Innovation

Lean
Manufac‑
turing

Culture and employee engagement

Empowerment 
and accountability

PDCA Continuous 
Improvement Mindset

Global Mindset

Build On  
Organizational  
Advantage

Embrace Step 
Change

Thrive On 
Competition

Operate  
With Respect

Cross Functional 
Teamwork

Best Practice  
Sharing and Replication

Future Forward Planning 
for Predictable Results

ZERO HARM

5

2020 Annual ReviewCHAIRMAN’S  
MESSAGE

Since the crisis began, the Board and Executive Leadership 
Team have been focused on relentlessly reviewing and 
evaluating the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our business 
continuity plan is critical as we know that our ability to continue to 
operate our manufacturing facilities in a safe and compliant way 
is an important part of how we as a company are able to serve 
our customers and subsequently support the overall well-being 
of our employees and key stakeholders.

We also remain committed to maintaining a strong and 
flexible balance sheet. 

Our continued strong profitable sales performance, 
along with our quick and decisive capital management and 
working capital actions, helped increase our liquidity position 
to US$693 million as of 30 June 2020. 

While it’s very difficult to forecast the full global impact 
and duration of this unprecedented pandemic, the significant 
progress Jack and his team have made on the company’s 
transformation to become an even stronger, truly global 
business has ensured that we entered this crisis well 
positioned. Jack and his leadership team have the Board’s 
full support to successfully navigate James Hardie through 
this unprecedented time and we are confident that we will 
emerge even stronger.

FISCAL YEAR 2020 OPERATING RESULTS

We began fiscal year 2020 by continuing our transformation 
to drive James Hardie’s next phase of sustainable and 
profitable growth. By the end of the year we had made 
significant progress on our strategic plan to drive organic 
growth above market, deliver strong returns, and be number 
one in every market we choose to participate in.

Our North America segment achieved 8% top line growth 
and adjusted EBIT margin of 25.9%. We achieved strong 
growth above market as our commercial transformation 
gains traction, while delivering exceptional returns as our 
Lean manufacturing initiative continued to generate improved 
performance across our North American manufacturing 
network. We entered fiscal year 2021 with significant 
momentum in both our commercial and Lean initiatives, albeit 
in a rapidly evolving and highly volatile market and economy. 

During fiscal year 2020 we allocated capital to position 
our North America manufacturing network for the future. 
We completed the start-up of our greenfield expansion project 
in Tacoma (Washington) and we continued the construction 
of a greenfield expansion project in Prattville (Alabama). 

Our Asia Pacific segment once again provided good returns 
during fiscal year 2020, delivering an adjusted EBIT margin of 
22.7%. During fiscal year 2020, we completed the brownfield 
expansion project at our Carole Park (Australia) plant. 

James Hardie was well 
prepared and positioned 
when we entered this 
unprecedented crisis. 
We are confident we will 
emerge even stronger. 

During this time of global stress and uncertainty, management 
strength and experience is critical. In Jack Truong and his 
Executive Leadership Team, we have strong and capable 
leadership, along with a deep understanding of James Hardie, 
our customers and the markets in which we operate. 

6

“The global COVID-19 crisis has 

brought extraordinary challenges 
in the way we manage our lives, 
our health and our businesses.”

Our Europe Building Products segment delivered net 
sales growth of 5% in Euros, driven by fiber cement growth 
of 32% and fiber gypsum growth of 2%, and an adjusted 
EBIT margin of 8.2% for fiscal year 2020. The strong growth 
in fiber cement net sales was driven by market penetration 
in our existing geographies. 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (“CFO”) 
APPOINTMENT

On 26 February 2020 Jason Miele was appointed Senior Vice 
President and CFO of James Hardie. Jason was previously 
our Vice President, Investor Relations, and brings a strong 
track record of financial and business leadership, as well 
as an in-depth knowledge of the James Hardie business. 
His financial skills, international experience and leadership 
attributes complement our strong performance-oriented 
culture and made him the right choice to lead our finance 
organization during this critical time as we navigate the 
COVID-19 crisis and execute on our global strategic plan. 

The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Anne Lloyd, 
who is also a member of the Board of Directors of James 
Hardie, for her service as Interim CFO during this transition. 
Anne’s oversight during this interim period provided us the 
opportunity to conduct a comprehensive search for a new 
CFO, considering both internal and external candidates, 
ensuring we identified the best leader.

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS 

On 5 May 2020, to further strengthen James Hardie’s liquidity 
position and to manage market volatility, we announced the 
immediate suspension of dividends until further notice.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our underlying confidence 
in the strength of our businesses enabled the Board to 
declare a first half dividend of US10.0 cents in November 
2019. The first half ordinary dividend declared was 
US$44.3 million, reflecting a payment of US10.0 cents per 
security, which was in-line with the first half ordinary dividend 
declared and paid for in fiscal year 2019 of US$44.2 million, 
reflecting a payment of US10.0 cents per security.

ASBESTOS INJURIES COMPENSATION 
FUND (AICF)

Due to our strong financial performance during fiscal year 2020, 
we anticipate we will contribute approximately US$153.3 million 
to the AICF during fiscal year 2021. This amount represents 
35% of our free cash flow for fiscal year 2020 which we are 
obliged to contribute as part of our commitment under the 
Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement.

Including this contribution, we will have provided approximately 
A$1.6 billion towards asbestos disease-related compensation 
since the AICF was established in February 2007.

BOARD CHANGES

We also remain committed to ensuring we have a 
strong, diverse and independent Board. During fiscal 
year 2020 we added three new directors who each 
bring strong business experience and valuable 
perspective to James Hardie.

Moe Nozari was appointed to the Board on 
6 November 2019. Moe was employed by 3M 
Company for 38 years and while there his focus 
was on the development of new products, 
brands, identification and the development of 
people. Moe brings considerable experience 
in new product development and innovation.

Nigel Stein was appointed to the Board on 
14 May 2020. Nigel has extensive experience in 
the global automotive and manufacturing sectors. 
He currently serves as Chairman of Inchcape plc, 
an automotive distribution, retail and financing 
company; a position he has held since May 2018. 
Nigel joined Inchcape as a non-executive director 
in October 2015 and brings significant international, 
manufacturing and financial experience. 

Harold Wiens was appointed to the Board on 
14 May 2020. Harold worked at 3M Company for 
38 years and brings a wealth of experience with 
proven results in driving global business growth 
with a strong focus on operational experience.

Moe, Nigel and Harold will stand for election 
at the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
and are all valuable additions to the Board. 

On 9 August 2019, at the conclusion of 
the 2019 AGM, Alison Littley and Rudolf van 
der Meer retired as non-executive directors. 
The retirements were part of the Board’s 
succession plan. The Board expresses its 
thanks to Ms Littley and Mr van der Meer 
for their valued contribution to James Hardie 
and wishes them both well in their retirement. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This year’s AGM will be held in November 2020 on a date 
and from a location that is dependent upon the relevant 
travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shareholders can participate via a teleconference. Details 
regarding the matters to be acted upon at the 2020 AGM will 
be contained in the Notice of Meeting and related materials.

Michael Hammes 
Chairman

7

2020 Annual ReviewCEO’S 
REPORT

During fiscal year 2020 we made significant progress on 
our strategic transformation from a big, small company 
to a small, big company: Creating a New Hardie. 

FISCAL YEAR 2020 OPERATING RESULTS 

We have continued to execute our global strategic plan, 
leading to an outstanding performance during fiscal year 2020. 
As a team we have generated significant positive momentum 
on the transformation that we embarked on over a year ago.

From a global perspective, our group results were driven 
by an outstanding North America performance, as we 
continued to grow above our addressable market while 
delivering exceptional returns. The group achieved adjusted 
EBIT growth of 20% and adjusted NOPAT increased 17% 
for the 2020 fiscal year.

Our operating cash flow increased an exceptional 48%, 
providing improved liquidity and financial flexibility for our 
business. While I am proud of the outstanding fiscal year 
2020 performance, I am even more excited about our 
continued positive momentum in fiscal year 2021. 

8

James Hardie Multi-Family team on stage at the North America 
Sales Meeting in Dallas, Texas in February 2020.

The North American business delivered excellent results 
across the board in all key financial metrics, including volume 
growth, EBIT growth and adjusted EBIT margin. In the exteriors 
business, our volume growth accelerated in the second half 
of the year resulting in 9% growth for the fiscal year. For our 
interiors business, volume growth also continued to improve 
each quarter, delivering 1% growth for the fiscal year. 

We continued to improve on the execution of the Hardie 
Manufacturing Operating System. The North American 
business generated US$29 million of Lean savings for fiscal 
year 2020, which is ahead of plan.

OUR RESPONSE TO THE 
COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Our approach in managing this crisis has always been 
about providing the absolute clarity of direction throughout 
the organization; and at the same time being able to gain 
real time feedback on key happenings from all of the markets 
that we participate in and from all of our front line employees, 
from around the world. This is essential in allowing and 
empowering our leaders at various levels to make the right 
decisions in real time that are fact-based.

For fiscal year 2020, our adjusted EBIT margin reached an 
exceptional 25.9%. These results reflect the significant impact 
of our commercial transformation from pull to push-pull and 
the Lean transformation in our network of manufacturing plants.

Consistent with our foundational Zero Harm culture, 
our primary objective is to ensure that the health and safety 
of our employees, customers and suppliers are taken into 
consideration in all business decisions we make.

For fiscal year 2020, North America delivered greater 
than 7% growth above the market. This is the first time in 
more than a decade that North America delivered growth 
above market greater than 6% and an adjusted EBIT margin 
greater than 25%. This is another confirmation that we are 
now operating consistently at a new step change level.

Our Asia Pacific segment produced good financial returns, 
delivering a 22.7% adjusted EBIT margin and flat revenue 
growth in Australian dollars. The Australian business 
continued to deliver growth above market and the Australian 
team remained disciplined in their approach to executing our 
push-pull strategy and the Hardie Manufacturing Operating 
System, leveraging best practices from other regions to 
continuously improve throughout the year.

The European business delivered net sales growth of 
5% in Euros for fiscal year 2020, driven by an increase of 
32% and 2% in fiber cement and fiber gypsum, respectively. 
Adjusted EBIT margin was 8.2% for the fiscal year.

To this end, we established consistent, clear and specific 
pandemic protocols that were implemented across the 
globe to ensure we have one global James Hardie standard.

These protocols include: 

•  Strict physical distancing policy

•  Extensive disinfection and hygiene processes 

on a regular basis

•  24/7 PPE and hygiene kits

•  Sick leave and child care support

•  Work from home model utilized where applicable.

While this crisis presents our leadership team and our 
employees throughout the world with a very real challenge, 
I’m confident that our relentless focus on maintaining a safe 
and sustainable work environment will help strengthen our 
business continuity and ensure we can continue to produce 
products and serve our customers seamlessly.

Home featuring HardiePlank® lap siding, 
HardiePanel® vertical siding, HardieTrim® 
boards and HardieShingle® siding with 
ColorPlus® Technology.

Location: Powell, Ohio 

9

2020 Annual ReviewCEO’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

SAFETY AND WELL-BEING

Safety and well-being come first in 
every business decision we make.

Zero Harm is a non-negotiable at James Hardie. 
This starts by developing a culture where 
everyone is both empowered and accountable 
for safety. We continuously check and adjust to 
ensure that we have a safe work environment 
and systems for our employees, vendors and 
partners. Everyone should be able to come to 
work, contribute in their role and return home 
to their family safely. We continually invest to 
improve our manufacturing plants and processes 
to deliver a clean, safe environment to work in. 
Above all, our employees always have a voice—
they are empowered to shut down the production 
line if they observe a potentially harmful situation 
for themselves or their co-workers.

Since the COVID-19 crisis began, we have 
implemented a number of measures to ensure 
safety and well-being of our people and our 
business partners:

•  Visitors to our plant and office locations 

must have their temperature taken and fill 
out a safety and well-being questionnaire

• 

Increased extra cleaning and hygiene 
protocols at all plants and offices

•  Supported customers and business partners by 
redirecting existing resources to develop new 
safety measures and best-practices that can 
be used in the marketplace and on job sites.

NORTH AMERICA SALES MEETING, 
DALLAS, TEXAS IN FEBRUARY 2020

Hunter Lansing, CEO, Stephanie Lansing, spouse, and Chris 
Lansing, Chairman of the Board, of Lansing Building Products 
receive the Distinguished Partner Award from Dr. Jack Truong and 
members of the James Hardie Sales Leadership team. 

James Hardie CEO, Dr. Jack Truong, and Supply Chain Director, Jeff 
Wrobel, present the Distinguished Partner Award to Jeff Rettig, VP of 
Supply Chain, and Scott Doyle, Senior Buyer, of Builders FirstSource.

James Hardie CEO, Dr. Jack Truong, presenting the Distinguished 
Partner Award to Meagan McCoy Jones, President and COO, 
of McCoy’s Building Supply.

10

The James Hardie team at the International 
Builders’ Show Las Vegas, in 2020.

STRONG CASHFLOW 
AND LIQUIDITY

Our strong sales performance in the fourth 
quarter of fiscal year 2020, along with our quick 
and decisive capital management and working 
capital actions, led to a significant improvement 
in our liquidity and leverage ratio positions as of 
30 June 2020: liquidity of US$693 million and 
leverage ratio to 1.65x. 

We will continue to connect our global businesses 
together and focus on critical few opportunities to create 
value and earn our customers’ business every day via: 
(i) increased demand for our products and solutions with 
the builders and contractors, (ii) more efficient supply chain 
to serve our customers better, (iii) more enabling tools that 
make it easy for our customers to sell our products, (iv) high 
impact innovations that expand market opportunities for 
our customers.

When we are able to deliver consistently on all of these 
objectives, we will truly be a global company that can 
deliver sustainable and profitable growth. 

I look forward to building on the considerable momentum 
generated in fiscal year 2020 to navigate effectively through 
the current crisis with a keen eye toward coming out of the 
crisis as an even stronger James Hardie. 

SUMMARY

As we enter fiscal year 2021, we continue the path of driving 
a fundamental transformation in our company, a path of 
Creating a New Hardie. 

We are on a journey of transforming our company from 
being a big, small company to being a small, big company. 
We are creating and becoming a customer-centric company 
that strives to become that trusted and valued partner for 
our customers, globally. We continue to build capabilities 
and processes that connect our core strengths to generate 
scale to deliver profitable growth, consistently. While we 
are on the right track, our fundamental transformation 
is far from complete. We still have significant work to do 
across our key focus areas. 

Dr. Jack Truong 
CEO

11

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY 
OVERVIEW

SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Embedded in a foundation 
of Zero Harm, James Hardie’s 
approach to Sustainability 
puts people first with a 
focus on safety. Investing in 
a culture of safety ensures 
both our employees and 
our business partners 
get home safely to their 
families, every day. 

We also recognize the company’s ability to influence the 
communities in which we live and work around the world. 
While operating with a global mindset, we put great care into 
how our business impacts the local communities in which 
we operate and serve by sourcing locally, employing locally 
and delivering locally. 

Similarly, James Hardie’s disciplined approach to Lean 
manufacturing delivers both strong operational and 
sustainability performance. From cultivating teamwork and 
empowerment in our people to resource conservation and 
waste reduction in our processes, James Hardie helps build 
better homes, with less. This in turn enables James Hardie 
to continue to invest in developing sustainable and thriving 
communities around the globe.

During fiscal year 2020, we continued our relentless drive 
to improve our ESG processes and practices. In doing so, 
we have made significant progress on our sustainability 
reporting journey.

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS

 Local Community

$912M

Invested into local 
communities around 
the globe

 Safety

1.05

Global total recordable 
incident rate vs industry 
average of 4.70

 Lean Manufacturing

$36M

Global savings

12

CEO’S MESSAGE

Last year the Executive Leadership Team and I 
committed to delivering a full sustainability report 
by the end of fiscal year 2021.

Throughout fiscal year 2020 we have had clear and proactive 
Environment Social and Governance conversations with 
many stakeholders and have decided to adopt the Global 
Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards 
(GRI Standards). The GRI Standards is the most widely 
adopted framework for Environmental, Social and 
Governance reporting and will provide a framework for us to 
report on material topics, their related impacts and how they 
are managed. These stakeholder discussions also looked 
at future challenges and how James Hardie will respond 
to the recommendations set out by the Task Force for 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). 

As we reflect on the progress of our sustainability journey, 
we are developing a roadmap for the future. We are 
discussing the next stage with key stakeholders to confirm 
what is important for them and what they expect from 
James Hardie to ensure we continue to create value now 
and well into the future. What is clear is that we play a key 
role in shaping a sustainable future and that partnerships 
will be critical to achieving shared objectives. 

In this report we cover our sustainability performance 
for fiscal year ended 31 March 2020, across our global 
operations, while referencing the GRI Standards. We intend 
to strengthen our application of the GRI Standards and 
other relevant frameworks, such as the SASB Sustainability 
Accounting Standards and the TCFD recommendations, 
to improve the quality and comparability of our reporting. 

With the full support of the Board, we plan to publish 
a report prepared in accordance to the GRI Standards in 
calendar year 2021. As we progress this transition toward 
fiscal year 2021, we have continued to improve upon the 
sustainability reporting we include in our Annual Review 
and Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Employee health, safety and 
well-being are our highest priority 
during the COVID-19 crisis.

The safety and well-being of all of our employees come first. 
This is front of mind for any business decisions we make 
as we navigate through this unprecedented COVID-19 
crisis. We remain very focused on business continuity 
because we know that our ability to continue to operate 
our manufacturing facilities in a safe and compliant way is 
an important part of how we as a company are able to serve 
our customers better and subsequently support the overall 
well-being of our employees.

Dr. Jack Truong 
CEO

13

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

INTEGRATED APPROACH 
TO SUSTAINABILITY

James Hardie is undertaking 
a transformation to deliver 
greater value to stakeholders. 
Our global strategy for 
value creation embeds the 
sustainability principles and 
practices that inform our 
ESG strategy.

•  The leadership position we earn within the market every 
day extends to our sustainability objectives and our aim 
to be a leader in sustainability performance and reporting.

•  We deliver long-term value through our responsibly 
produced line of high-quality, built-to-last products.

•  Product design and innovation considers 

sustainability-related impacts and ongoing enhancements.

•  Lean Manufacturing promotes resource conservation 

and waste reduction.

•  Our people are at the heart of all we do. Fostering high 
levels of engagement and a culture in which people 
can thrive promotes shared success. 

•  The Zero Harm foundation ensures the safety of 

our products and employees, partners, customers 
and communities.

In the coming years, we will continue to develop our 
sustainability strategy and define the next steps in our 
ESG journey. Future areas of advancement include 
improving the quality of our sustainability reporting and 
CDP submission using recognized frameworks (GRI 
Standards, SASB Sustainability Accounting Standards 
and TCFD recommendations), growing our internal ESG 
team, strengthening systems, setting targets, and planning 
initiatives to meet them.

Home featuring HardiePlank® lap siding 
and HardieShingle® siding with Cobble 
Stone finish and HardieTrim® boards 
with Arctic White finish.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

14

MATERIALITY AND STAKEHOLDER 
ENGAGEMENT 

ENGAGING WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Engaging with our stakeholders, which represent individuals and entities impacted by our operations and products 
or that have an impact on our success, is an essential aspect of our day-to-day operations and management. 
The following table lists some of the ways we regularly engage and communicate with our stakeholders.

Stakeholder Group Methods of Engagement

Employees 

•  Manage online and in-person working groups
•  Execute employee surveys
•  Distribute newsletters
•  Coordinate monthly global town hall meetings with follow-up surveys

Regulatory Agencies

•  Monitor compliance mechanisms
•  Lead focus sessions aimed at better preparing for regulatory changes 

Investors 

•  Lead quarterly earnings calls
•  Hold annual shareholder meeting
•  Address requests for ESG ratings and rankings agencies
•  Respond to direct requests from our institutional investors 

Municipalities

Implement outreach, including community development

• 
•  Coordinate with neighborhood associations
•  Participate in volunteering activities, community events and make charitable contributions
•  Assist in disaster recovery initiatives

Customers

•  Lead discussions with installers, building professionals, intermediaries, 

and homeowners aimed at assessing opportunities for product innovation
Investigate ways to optimize logistics with distributors and dealers 

• 
•  Offer training and conduct product-level training initiatives
•  Participate in industry-led initiatives where relevant
•  Communicate construction best practices through our blog, newsletters and on the job site

Suppliers 

•  Direct interaction through the selection process and ongoing relationship management
•  Educate on our Supplier Code of Conduct

15

2020 Annual Review 
SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

DETERMINING OUR MATERIAL TOPICS

Validation

At James Hardie, we’re committed to reporting on what matters 
most to our stakeholders. This includes governance and ethics, 
along with topics that are environmentally or socially impacted 
by our operations, influence the decisions of our stakeholders 
or that have strategic significance for the company. 

This year as part of our efforts to strengthen our reporting 
practices, we undertook our first formal materiality 
assessment to identify, prioritize and validate topics 
for reporting and informing our sustainability strategy. 
The process, which was led by our Global ESG Leader 
and supported by external sustainability consultants, 
applied the GRI Reporting Principles for defining report 
content (stakeholder inclusiveness, sustainability context, 
materiality and completeness), as outlined below.

To ensure stakeholder inclusiveness, we took stakeholder 
interests and perspectives into account throughout the 
process, some by proxy (such as employees, customers 
and local communities) and others through direct 
consultation (global and regional senior leaders from 
across the company and institutional investors).

Identification 

We applied the sustainability context principle 
to identify relevant topics for prioritization.

To ensure completeness, we vetted results with 
internal stakeholders.

After initial review and refinement, the Global ESG Lead 
consulted with the ESG Steering Committee and senior 
executives on the proposed list of material topics and 
assessment results for further refinement and approval.

List of Material Topics

Governance and Ethics
Structures and practices in place for governing and managing 
James Hardie according to sound ethics and principles of 
accountability, transparency, responsibility and fairness, 
including the governance of ESG/sustainability impacts.

Occupational Health and Safety
Efforts to ensure healthy and safe work conditions across 
our operations, including the prevention of physical and mental 
harm, and promotion of workers’ health.

Product Quality and Safety
Management of product service quality and safety and 
ensuring customer requirements are met, which includes 
sustainability-related aspects and product liability.

We developed a list of environmental, social and 
governance topics relevant to James Hardie’s business 
and operations through the lens of sustainable development 
and stakeholder interests.

Human Capital Management
Our approach to attract, develop, engage and retain our workforce 
through a culture that promotes inclusion, innovation, performance 
and growth, resulting in James Hardie being an employer of choice.

The initial list of topics and their definitions were drafted 
using a range of sources, including:

•  Topics identified in our previous sustainability reports

•  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

•  Relevant frameworks, including the GRI Standards 
and SASB Construction Materials Sustainability 
Accounting Standard

•  Peer benchmarking, industry initiatives and sectoral trends 

•  Stakeholder feedback.

Prioritization

We applied the materiality principle to evaluate topics 
and set a threshold for materiality.

For each relevant topic, we evaluated the significance of 
the associated impacts and level of stakeholder interest and 
strategic priority. We quantified topics for prioritization based 
on factors drawn from the GRI Materiality Tests and informed 
by further desktop research, organizational factors, and 
stakeholder interviews with more than 30 cross-functional 
internal stakeholders from our North American, Asia Pacific 
and European regions and with institutional investors.

We plotted topics on a materiality matrix and set a threshold 
for materiality, which designated the top nine topics for 
reporting (see List of Material Topics). 

16

Water and Effluents
Our approach to conserving, managing and reusing/recycling 
water, including the amount of water withdrawn and consumed 
and the quality of the water we discharge (effluents).

Waste
The generation, treatment and disposal of both hazardous 
and non-hazardous waste (including efforts to divert waste 
from landfills) and the management of chemical, oil and fuel 
spills, or any other substances.

Emissions
Management of the release of air emissions associated with 
our operations and impacts across the value chain, including 
greenhouse gases through the use of electricity, natural gas, fossil 
fuels, refrigerants, etc., particulates and embodied in materials.

Energy
Management of energy consumption across our operations, 
including types of energy, energy conservation and use of 
renewable energy. 

Product Design and Lifecycle Management
Efforts to manage the lifecycle impacts of our products and 
meet demands for high-quality, sustainable products, including 
material recovery at end-of-life.

ASSESSING IMPACTS ALONG 
THE VALUE CHAIN

As part of our materiality assessment, we evaluated 
impacts associated with topics along the value chain. 

We manage impacts under our direct operational control 
through integrated operating and management systems, 
such as the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System 
(HMOS). In areas where we have some level of influence 
over impacts as they relate to our operations, we seek 
ways up and downstream to help minimize negative and 
maximize positive impacts. 

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE 
ECONOMIES

At James Hardie, we operate with a global 
mindset but also put great care into 
considering how our business impacts the 
local communities we serve. We know that 
our success brings both direct and indirect 
economic benefits to the communities and 
regions in which we operate. 

It’s why we invest significantly in local ecosystems, 
across our suppliers, capital expenditure in our 
plants, and employees, to help develop local 
economies. Our direct spending through payroll and 
taxes, the purchase of local materials, and our local 
distribution network makes a positive economic 
impact in our communities. 

This approach benefits the local economies as well 
as our customers.

$912M

In fiscal year 2020 James Hardie 
invested over $912 million in our 
Suppliers, Plants and Employees 
where we operate. 

Across our North American network, we deliver this 
high value with the smallest environmental footprint.

Source locally

Deliver locally

Employ locally

Source locally

•  Purchasing local materials, goods and services 

benefits both the environment and local economies.

•  83% of raw materials (by weight) are sourced 

within 100 miles of a plant.

Employ locally

•  We are proud to provide jobs and invest in our 

people across many communities.

•  Through our direct spending in payroll and taxes 
we help drive economic benefits at a local level. 

Deliver locally

•  Supplying customers via a local distribution 

network decreases our environmental footprint 
and provides a positive local economic impact.

•  70% of products are shipped to customers 

within 500 miles of a plant.

17

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

SAFETY 

At James Hardie, we believe that safety is a 
non-negotiable value for business success, and 
we prioritize the protection of our people and 
those who use or interact with our products.

Our Zero Harm Safety Culture mission 
is to become a world-class safety 
organization focused on safe people, 
safe places and safe systems.

DEPLOYING ZERO HARM GLOBALLY

Vision

Global
Approach

Global
Requirements

Global Standards

Regional EHS Systems
Strategy Procedures,
Game Plans, Tools

Leadership & Behavior
Actively Engaging/
Empowering all Employees

Regionally
Designed
& Managed

SAFETY PERFORMANCE

Our performance in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 
2020 continues to be significantly better than the 
industry average. 

Global Incident and DART Rates

2020

Industry Average

TRIR

DART Rate

TRIR

DART Rate

1.05

0.53

4.70

3.20

Notes: Figures are reported across our global operations 
and include employees and temporary/contract workers. 
Calculations follow OSHA guidelines. Industry average is from 
US Bureau of Labor Statistics NAICS 32739, Industry Other 
Concrete product manufacturing.
TRIR refers to total recordable incident rate.
TRIR is the standard reporting term expected from GRI, 
ISS, MSCI and Sustainalytics.
DART refers to days away from work, restricted work activity 
or job transfer.

Our global strategy begins with the foundation of Zero Harm, 
our commitment to safe people, safe places and safe systems. 

Safe People

Achieving world-class safety starts with people working in 
a culture where everyone is empowered to be—and seeks 
to be—a health and safety leader. We are developing an 
engaged workforce that is empowered and accountable, 
that works cross-functionally, sharing and replicating 
best practices and maintaining a global and continuous 
improvement mindset. 

•  Safety is everyone’s responsibility; therefore, all 

employees have clearly defined safety responsibilities, 
are given appropriate authority to stop work for safety 
concerns, and are held accountable for demonstrating 

18

safe behaviors. We also have dedicated safety 
professionals at each of our facilities. 

•  To enable Zero Harm safety 24/7, at work and at home, we 
utilize SafeStart. The program is aimed at reducing risk and 
the probability of injury through behavioral-based safety 
awareness and skills development. SafeStart includes 
an in-the-field application called Rate Your State, which 
combines the role of self-discipline and peer-to-peer 
communication to build and sustain safety-minded 
behaviors and reduce risks. 

•  We established Safety Steering Committees at our facilities, 
which are led by a cross-functional group of employees. 
The Safety Steering Committees have shifted our culture 
from a top-down program to an employee-driven program. 
A subset of the Safety Steering Committees has been 
created to enable additional employee engagement in 
areas of higher risk within each plant.

•  We evaluate employee safety engagement based 

on peer-to-peer observations, hazard identification 
and positive recognitions entered within our safety 
management system. This reinforces a “brother’s/sister’s 
keeper” spirit at our facilities, where everyone is looking 
out for the person next to them.

Safe Places

We ensure a safe work environment for our people.

•  Each site has a continuous improvement strategy and 
a safety scorecard. We undertake annual audits and 
an annual review of regulatory changes, which helps 
inform improvement measures, especially around 
critical safety risks.

•  We encourage the reporting of safety observations 

and require every accident be reported to all regions. 
Each week, we hold safety meetings at all facilities so 
our people can share significant events, near misses and 
best practices, and suggest potential changes to policies 
and procedures. 

•  Comprehensive hazard abatement measures, such as 

lockout/tagout programs, help prevent injuries. Site-level 
safety assessments are being implemented in each 
region to reduce hazards further. In North America, for 
example, we are conducting energy-related assessments 
for risks in high-voltage areas, mobile equipment and 
pedestrian interfaces.

•  HMOS implementation has enhanced our focus on 

housekeeping and has had a positive impact on safety in 
our manufacturing facilities. HMOS also provides us with 
a clear methodology of sustaining our safety culture.

Safe Systems

Integrated data-driven management systems and robust safety 
training programs support our people and our performance. 

•  Data management: In 2019, we implemented a global 
safety database system, Zero Harm Data Management, 
as part of the standardization of our processes and 
procedures. It includes a repository for safety audits, 
incidents and near misses, observations, actions, and 
regulatory reporting requirements. The system enables 
the Safety Team to operate on a standardized, global 
platform across all our facilities, using data to focus on 
and manage known and potential risk areas.

•  Contractor management: We partnered with 

ISNetworld, a third-party vendor, to provide oversight 
and guidance to our contractors and vendors that 
perform work at James Hardie facilities. Global 
implementation is underway during fiscal year 2021.

•  Training: All employees receive safety training upon hire, 
annually and as needed if they transition to new roles or 
when there are regulatory or process changes. Training 
exceeds compliance standards through mandatory 
and company-specific safety training and education. 
In addition, all plant operational meetings start with 
safety. In these meetings, all employees stretch, share 
engagements, recognize the safety contributions of 
others, identify high-risk work for the day, highlight 
hazardous conditions, and review any network or 
plant safety incidents from the last 24 hours.

•  Continuous engagement and improvement: 

To assess the level of employee engagement in the 
safety management system, managers set participation 
goals and monitor employee performance.

International Builders’ Show: SAFETY365 at James Hardie.

PROMOTING SAFETY 
AT THE BUILDING SITE

Our commitment to Zero Harm 
follows our products to the building 
sites and homes where they are used, 
supporting the safety of professional 
builders, siding contractors and installers, 
and homeowners.

We share our technical and operational expertise 
through training and resources on installation 
best practices, building science fundamentals, 
construction and installation efficiencies. 
Along with our work with our business partners, 
this ensures our end consumers receive products 
that are installed safely and correctly. In North 
America, for example, our “First Board, First Nail” 
training at the beginning of key projects helps 
ensure the best start possible. Online resources 
provide guidance to help professionals meet 
safety standards, such as OSHA’s silica dust 
standard, and information on best practices.

Safety 365

Developed by James Hardie and the National 
Association of Home Builders (NAHB), this 
simple-yet-comprehensive program gives siding 
contractors the tools to set up a proactive safety 
program to help keep crews safe—365 days a year.

19

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

PROACTIVE APPROACH 
TO ZERO HARM

For James Hardie, Zero Harm isn’t just a phrase. It’s the 
foundation of who we are. It drives our decisions across 
the globe, from how we operate our manufacturing 
facilities to how we support our employees and partners 
to help ensure they get home safely every night. 

Our unwavering commitment to Zero Harm is put into 
action every single day, at every level of the business. 

An example of this commitment is at our 
Prattville, Alabama greenfield construction 
project, where we halted a $240 million, 
780,000 square feet project with over 
360 contractors, all in the name of safety. 

At James Hardie, Zero Harm is a foundational standard 
that drives proactive change and inspires action at all 
levels, every single day. It is a non-negotiable value for 
everyone who works in, and with, our company. 

Situation

Action

Result

Day 0

Day 1

Day 5

•  Work was able to safely 
resume five days after 
the job was halted.

•  Third party contractor 

and vendor management 
systems in place to verify 
compliance to James 
Hardie safety standards.

0

6x

2x

incidents
on site in FY20

decrease
in Near Misses

increase
in engagement

•  A $240 million project was 
underway to construct a 
new 780,000 square feet 
James Hardie Prattville, 
Alabama plant facility.

•  James Hardie employees 

reported a series of serious 
safety observations (not 
injuries) involving our primary 
contractor and some of its 
sub-contractors.

•  Actions observed indicated 
the contractors’ practices 
were not aligned with 
Zero Harm.

•  Upon learning of these 

observations, the Executive 
Leadership Team 
immediately made the 
decision to stop work on the 
plant construction project 
due to the safety standard 
concerns, standing down 
all 360 contractors on site. 

Day 1

The James Hardie 
Executive Leadership Team 
partnered with the CEO of the 
primary contractor to establish 
clear safety standard expectations 
and determine actions needed 
before work could continue. 

Days 2–5

The contractor’s leadership team 
worked with our Zero Harm team 
to develop an updated risk-based 
safety plan to reduce overall risk 
at the site and provide a safer 
working environment. Enhanced 
safety measures included:

•  Assigning six additional safety 
resources on-site through 
project completion.

•  More engagement with craft 
trades workers on hazard 
awareness and abatement.

•  Providing James Hardie and 
third-party safety personnel 
to ensure successful execution 
of the plan. 

20

IMPLEMENTING ZERO HARM: REAL RESULTS

Safety has always been of utmost importance to James Hardie, especially in our plants. In order to run a 
true Zero Harm organization, we knew it was critical to thoroughly educate groups across all environments 
so that the purpose and standardization were fully embraced. Teams across the globe held risk awareness 
training workshops to improve operator abilities in recognizing hazards and developing proper measures. 
Meeting structures changed across all disciplines to prioritize Zero Harm issues first and address them at the 
appropriate management level. Review and optimization of standard operating procedures became a regular 
occurrence to embrace continuous improvement. 

Every small behavioral adjustment allowed the full cultural transformation toward 
our Zero Harm focus.

Zero Harm Implementation in European Plants

Standardized new 
personal protective 
equipment for plant 
employees and 
visitors to maximize 
protection and visibility.

Standardized 
colored marking 
systems for pedestrian 
ways and railings for 
clear guidance.

Improved equipment—
handrails, catwalks 
and access to machines 
by eliminating safety 
hazards.

Implemented clearly 
defined housekeeping 
standards to empower 
employees to change 
their work environment 
and make work 
more efficient.

The proof is in the results

63% lower incident rate

365 days

Implementing Zero Harm lowered the incident rate 
by 63% in fiscal year 2020 for our European plants, 
bringing the Europe incident rate to 0.64.

Thanks to Zero Harm practices, our Calbe, Germany 
plant significantly improved their accident rate as well, 
achieving their one-year accident-free anniversary in 
fiscal year 2020.

Our Wijchen, Netherlands plant celebrating 1,176 days without a safety incident.

21

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS 
THROUGH LEAN MANUFACTURING

James Hardie’s 
transformation from the 
world’s best fiber cement 
producer to a world-class 
manufacturer is powered by 
the philosophy and practices 
of Lean manufacturing.

HARDIE MANUFACTURING OPERATING 
SYSTEM (HMOS)

Our deployment of Lean is through the Hardie Manufacturing 
Operating System (HMOS); a single operating system that 
integrates our global network of plants and our people. 
Introduced in 2019, HMOS is a cultural transformation 
in how we operate.

Delivering strong operational and 
sustainability performance 

HMOS drives improvement in our manufacturing and 
environmental performance through employee engagement 
and empowerment, elimination of daily variability, and continuous 
improvement in the manufacturing processes. Through HMOS 
we are standardizing policies and processes globally to replicate 
best practices while enabling regional management specific 
to local regulatory requirements and product lines. 

HMOS plays a key role in our sustainability initiatives, continually 
driving improvements in manufacturing efficiency, resource 
conservation, waste reduction and safety. The emphasis on 
employee engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and 
knowledge sharing on best practices and lessons learned, 
supports improvement initiatives across the company.

$36M

Global Lean Manufacturing 

Savings in Fiscal Year 2020

22

EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT 
AND ACCOUNTABILITY 

Employee engagement, empowerment and accountability 
are critical to strengthening our business and ensuring that 
we maintain our competitive advantage. We recognize that 
better engagement leads to a more productive workforce.

Lean encourages employee engagement, responsibility 
and accountability. We have invested significantly in 
training initiatives and building organizational capabilities, 
establishing Lean roles at all of our manufacturing facilities. 
To launch HMOS we held multi-day training sessions on-site 
and conducted follow-up education. In addition, new data 
management systems are being implemented at the plants 
to support performance monitoring and reporting.

Cultivating teamwork and shared progress

HMOS also promotes communication and feedback 
among and between operators, supervisors and leadership, 
to engage all employees in continuously and consistently 
improving results and minimizing variability. 

Our level-based meeting approach integrates Lean 
principles to promote vertical and lateral communication 
and coordination across the organization, ensures prompt 
response on issues and supports progress on goals. 
The meetings occur at designated intervals and with 
broadening facility and organizational representation. 
In manufacturing, for example, each shift begins with an 
L1 meeting, with all operators to review the plan for the shift 
and address any issues from the previous shift. There is 
a daily L2 meeting with department supervisors at which 
unresolved issues from L1 meetings are discussed and 
addressed, and a daily L3 meeting with plant management 
to review progress and resolve escalated matters. A weekly 
network-wide L4 manufacturing meeting, with the CEO, 
brings together cross-functional representatives from 
areas such as accounting, human resources, safety 
and R&D to discuss results, share recognitions and 
address any escalated manufacturing issues or needs. 
This structured approach is executed by all departments 
in the organization. Consistent communication at all levels, 
and timely follow-through on issues or opportunities arising 
from L-meetings, is building engagement and promoting 
accountability across the entire organization. 

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We recognize that we have not done 
enough in the past to proactively address 
the inequalities and social injustices 
throughout the world. We want to be 
a part of the solution.

We are now listening, learning and actively 
engaging to support positive change. We have 
seen and felt what’s wrong and we are dedicated 
to doing what’s right.

We are fully committed to becoming an inclusive 
and globally diverse workplace, free from any form 
of discrimination, prejudice, inequality or injustice, 
with a workforce that reflects the communities we 
operate in and the markets we serve.

We believe fostering an environment where 
employees have a sense of belonging, feel 
comfortable and are able to do their best work, is part 
of our overall commitment to employee well-being.

We recognize the value of the diverse perspectives, 
experiences, skills, and capabilities of our global 
team. We unequivocally reject any form of 
intolerance and believe that each of our employees 
should always be treated with respect, whether in 
the plant, office, or at a customer/vendor site.

EMPLOYEE SNAPSHOT

Because our continued growth and innovation depend on the growth 
and innovation of our people, we work to attract, develop, engage and 
retain a strong team. 

Workforce Profile

North America Business

– Female

– Diversity Characteristics

Non North America Businesses

– Female

– Diversity Characteristics

2020

2,760

342

1,054

2,109

335

n/a

2019

2,634

331

989

2,282

362

n/a

2018

2,840

326

1,048

1,120

210

n/a

Total

4,869

4,916

3,960

Notes: Most of our employees work full-time. Contract/temporary workers make up a small 
percentage of our workforce. Diversity characteristics include gender, race or national origin. 
Race/national origin diversity characteristics vary between countries and are therefore not 
captured in aggregate for Non North America businesses.

Employee Retention

The implementation of 
HMOS and coordinated 
efforts to improve talent 
recruitment, onboarding 
and employee engagement 
have contributed to significant 
reductions in turnover.

85%

Manufacturing 
Employee Retention in 
North America during 
fiscal year 2020

Turnover

FY20 

15%

FY19 

30%

23

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

PRODUCT DESIGN AND INNOVATION

As builders and 
homeowners alike are 
increasingly eco-minded, 
we remain committed to 
implementing high-quality 
solutions that deliver 
exceptional value, including 
sustainability-related 
features, while improving 
environmental impacts 
across the product lifecycle.

PRODUCT SUSTAINABILITY 
HIGHLIGHTS

•  Durability is a hallmark of sustainable 
products. Built-to-last fiber cement 
materials not only require fewer resources 
for replacement, but also help reduce 
maintenance and repair costs.

•  HardieBacker® product line is certified 

GREENGUARD Gold, which can contribute 
to the LEED New Construction points for 
Low-Emitting Materials.

•  At least 75% of raw materials used are locally 
sourced, reducing energy and emissions 
from transportation.

•  Raw materials (Portland cement, cellulose 
pulp, sand, and water) are low in toxicity.

CUSTOMER-DRIVEN INNOVATION

James Hardie is the global leader in fiber cement technology, 
and has been furthering founder James Hardie’s innovative, 
entrepreneurial legacy around the world for more than 
125 years. The brand invented fiber cement siding products in 
the early 1980s as a durable, low-maintenance alternative to 
wood and vinyl. James Hardie products combine innovation 
and versatility to offer a variety of design possibilities, 
matched with specific performance attributes relative to the 
climate where the product is being used. At the heart of this 
unmatched approach lies a customer-driven approach. 

It’s with the end-user in mind that we build products 
to last and withstand the test of time, including severe 
weather-related events. Whereas wood siding has to be 
refinished every two to five years, manufactured materials 
like fiber cement are designed to last, even when exposed 
to high heat, moisture, UV radiation, and snowstorms.

Understanding the relevance of our products in an 
ever-changing market requires ongoing engagement, research, 
design and testing. Quality is defined by meeting customer 
requirements; therefore, we rely on customer insights to drive 
product innovation. The following recent product introductions 
showcase our ability to innovate and meet customer interests. 

24

NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED IN FISCAL YEAR 2020 

NORTH AMERICA

EUROPE

ASIA PACIFIC

Aspyre 
Collection by 
James Hardie®

HardieSoffit® 
VentedPlus® 
panel

Dream 
CollectionTM

HardieBacker® 
cement 
board with 
Hydrodefense™ 
Technology

HardieWindbreaker® 
sheathing board

ExoTec® Vero™ 
panel

EasyTex™ 
panel

Homes featuring Statement Collection™ 
and Dream Collection™ range

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

25

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

We are dedicated to 
environmental excellence 
and sustainability.

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL 
MANAGEMENT 

James Hardie seeks to minimize the impact of our 
business on the environment by concentrating on 
environmental compliance, resource conservation 
and continuous improvement.

Our approach integrates our comprehensive environmental 
management system with the focus on efficient 
manufacturing processes within HMOS and our Zero Harm 
Culture. Our environmental policy, which is communicated 
with employees, subcontractors and customers, outlines 
four guiding principles: use of renewable and recyclable 
resources; conservation of water, resources and energy; 
waste reduction; and the protection of the environment. 

Three of our North American and all our European 
manufacturing plants maintain ISO14001-certified 
environmental management systems. The remaining locations 
have documented systems, which implement ISO14001 best 
practices in compliance with our global policy. The HMOS 
emphasis on quality and elimination of all forms of waste 
reduces rework, which conserves energy and resources. 

Product life cycle

Environmental aspects are also considered as part of 
product development and innovation. We pursue ways 
to enhance the sustainability performance across the 
product lifecycle, such as lower-emissions, recycled content, 
and local sourcing of raw materials.

Evaluating performance and driving 
improvement

To evaluate progress, we monitor environmental 
performance data on a regular basis, from plant-level 
analysis to executive management reviews. Plant managers 
are responsible for results and achievement of targets at 
their specific location, but also work together to collaborate 
and share effective practices. We are working on developing 
company-wide goals and targets. 

26

Home featuring HardiePanel® vertical siding and HardieTrim® boards. 
Location: Orange County, California.

COLORPLUS® TECHNOLOGY 
LOWERS VOCS ASSOCIATED 
WITH PAINTING

James Hardie’s unique ColorPlus® Technology 
finishes deliver a high-quality, consistent finish 
to the market, while reducing environmental 
impacts across the building lifecycle. The use of 
James Hardie siding with ColorPlus® Technology 
eliminates the need for exterior painting at the 
jobsite, significantly reduces paint waste, and 
minimizes exposure to volatile organic compounds 
(VOCs), because color coatings are applied in 
a controlled environment at our manufacturing 
facilities. This revolutionary process, combined 
with the use of ultra-low VOC paint, results in less 
than half the VOCs as compared to in-the-field 
paint methods. This process not only minimizes 
our environmental impact, but also the overall 
lifecycle impact of the project.

ENERGY AND EMISSIONS

James Hardie is committed to expanding the 
management and reporting of the energy consumption 
and emissions associated with its operations. As part of 
that commitment, we have responded to CDP’s climate 
change questionnaire since 2017. In addition, we recognize 
that James Hardie may be exposed to the physical and 
transition impacts of climate change in the short, medium 
and long term. Climate-related events have the potential 
to damage our assets, disrupt operations and impact 
our people. James Hardie will review its preparedness to 
report against the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations in the next fiscal 
year to formalize our approach towards the identification, 
assessment, management and disclosure of climate-related 
risks and opportunities. 

A significant portion of the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of 
our products occurs upstream, primarily from the embedded 
carbon in the cement we use. We believe the durability of 
our products, longer life span compared to other building 
materials, and increased energy efficiency of structures when 
our products are applied, support cement siding as the 
building material of choice. Our teams continue to seek ways 
to optimize the use of cement in our fiber cement products. 
Our HydroDefense™ technology, for example, has reduced the 
cement inputs required while developing a superior product.

HYDRODEFENSE™ TECHNOLOGY: 
AN INDUSTRY FIRST DELIVERS 
PROTECTION AND SAVES TIME

HardieBacker® Cement Board with 
HydroDefense™ Technology is the industry’s 
first 100% waterproof cement backer board. 
After listening to customer input, we developed the 
technology to address builders’ interest in saving 
time and their desire for better protection from 
moisture penetration for tile installations and wall 
cavities. Our solution, which meets ANSI 118.10 
standards for waterproofness, allows for faster 
and easier installation by eliminating the need 
to apply a waterproof coating across the entire 
board, while continuing to deliver exceptional 
tile adhesion and strength. Furthermore, by 
using 2% pre-consumer recycled content and 
achieving VOC Green Certification, we’ve realized 
a 10% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared 
to our standard HardieBacker® product.

Focusing on energy efficiency to reduce 
costs and emissions

WASTE

The industrial processes to manufacture our products have 
a high energy demand, and we take a variety of approaches 
to reduce our energy intensity. Our continued emphasis on 
quality through HMOS reduces the need for reworked product 
or built-in surplus, and we regularly assess our equipment 
for efficiency, safety and emissions performance. We expect 
other initiatives, such as lighting retrofits and energy audits, 
will contribute to reductions in our energy use.

Within our operations, the use of electricity and natural gas 
generates GHG emissions, and our production processes 
also generate other air emissions. Our goal is to reduce our 
emissions within our control, through initiatives aimed at 
energy efficiency and shifts in energy sources. To improve 
energy efficiency, we conduct energy audits and invest in 
projects, such as lighting retrofits, equipment upgrades and 
optimization, and process improvements. 

• 

In fiscal year 2019 and 2020, four of our facilities installed/
upgraded boilers, which resulted in an annual 50-tonne 
reduction in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. 

•  We completed lighting upgrades at seven facilities 

in North America over the past two years, and all 
of our Asia Pacific facilities have been upgraded to 
high-efficiency LED lighting. The projects collectively 
contributed to reducing GHG emissions by roughly 
6,000 metric tons of CO2e. In addition to the reduction 
in energy and associated emissions, LED fixtures deliver 
better lighting, which enhances safety.

•  Efforts to move to lower-emission and renewable energy 

sources are also underway. 

For additional information on our GHG emissions, refer to 
James Hardie’s annual CDP reports which are available on 
the CDP website (www.cdp.net).

Our focus on resource 
conservation and Lean 
manufacturing drives our 
waste reduction strategies. 
The implementation of 
HMOS has resulted in a 
more controlled operation, 
thus reducing waste in our 
manufacturing processes.

We concentrate on reducing materials used, 
using recycled material and maximizing the 
beneficial reuse or recycling of materials in our 
waste streams. We strive to reduce waste overall 
and to send zero waste to landfill. For example, 
we have achieved this in our European fiber 
gypsum plants and are working towards this 
standard at other locations. Through HMOS 
and the best practice sharing it promotes, 
plants across the company are making progress. 
In Asia Pacific, for example, a percentage of waste 
to landfill has been reduced through HMOS and 
further reduced by pursuing local opportunities 
for beneficial use and recycling of byproducts. 
Initiatives to reduce packaging materials and 
minimize associated waste downstream have 
included decreasing the use of plastic on pallets 
and reducing strapping as appropriate.

Assessing our progress: In addition to reviewing 
waste metrics, we gauge overall improvement 
in material use and waste reduction through our 
throughput yield (TPY) performance. This measure 
drives us to not generate waste in the first place, 
keeping the focus on quality and consistency.

27

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

ZERO WASTE: RECYCLING FROM START TO FINISH

Operating with a continuous improvement mindset, at James 
Hardie we are constantly working to reduce our ecological footprint. 
We are proud to produce a sustainable product, and we take 
numerous measures to further improve our impact. 

In Europe, our fiber gypsum boards are naturally a sustainable product that 
consists only of raw materials that occur in nature, such as gypsum, cellulose, 
and water. The fiber used in our fiber gypsum products is produced from 100% 
recycled waste paper. 

Beyond our sustainable inputs, we proudly run our European plants as 
Zero Waste facilities with no landfill generated. All waste materials from 
our production are being constantly collected, processed and, if possible, 
reused in the production to achieve our Zero Waste production goals. Nearly no 
exhausts are produced due to the use of non-hazardous and natural raw materials 
(gypsum, water, paper). All inevitable waste from our production is being collected 
and disposed in accordance with the local and EU guidelines.

Our focus on Zero Harm and Zero Waste go hand-in-hand. We are committed to doing 
everything we can to protect our people and the greater environment that we all share. 

Zero Waste Production Approach: Fiber Gypsum Boards

Recycled Inputs

•    FGD-gypsum, a leftover material from 

de-sulfurization units of coal-fired power stations 
•    Waste material from industrial paper production 
•    Recycled gypsum, taken from renovated and 

demolished homes 

•    Collected cut-losses and other waste-material 

from our customers 

Ongoing Energy Improvements

•    Constant monitoring and energetic 

improvement of main energy consumption units

•    Use of new, efficient production technologies 
•    Constant process-monitoring and modelling
to improve raw material usage and energy 
consumption

Repurposing Production Waste

•    Side cutoffs from boards are put back into 

production

•    Paper dust is collected into bricks for further use
•    Leftover water is pumped back into production
•    Waste from cement bound boards is put back 
into production, and is also used by a partner 
company to fill abandoned tunnels from the coal 
mining era to help keep ground water clean

James Hardie 
recycles its 
water, not 
once, but up 
to four times.

WATER

Our manufacturing 
process relies 
heavily on water. 
We recognize the 
importance of 
responsible water 
management, not 
only in water-stressed 
regions of the 
world, but in all 
of our facilities. 

James Hardie maximizes 
the efficient use of water 
internally and we are 
continually researching 
alternative technologies 
to reduce our water 
consumption. Water reuse/
recycle projects have 
been implemented at 
several facilities, and 
these best practices are 
shared globally across 
our network. For example, 
we also ensure proper 
treatment of effluents 
prior to discharge and 
avoid run-off into the 
surrounding environment 
or waterways.

28

ZERO WASTE: COMMITTED 
TO REDUCE AND REUSE 

Being a global industry leader with high 
standards for quality, innovation and 
manufacturing excellence has helped 
make our Zero Waste goals a reality. 

Part of this is focusing on producing consistently 
sellable, high-quality products to reduce 
unnecessary waste, and part is in making great 
strides to reuse as much material as possible. 

Our Philippines plant is a shining example of this. 
By leveraging both our best-in-class Research & 
Development and Central Operations teams, all 
groups worked together with our Philippines plant 
to ensure new formulations met high James Hardie 
standards while also maximizing efficiency in 
recycling product back into the production 
process and maintaining full operational efficiency. 

This collaborative solution enabled the plant to 
begin recycling over 40 metric tons of material 
per day. Over 90% of potential landfill waste is 
put back into our production process. Even dust 
collected is reprocessed with water in sludge as 
another method to avoid landfill waste.

Every improvement, no matter how big or small, 
makes a meaningful impact. It takes strong 
determination, expertise and people working 
together to make such positive change. We believe 
the more we can preserve, the more the business, 
and our environment, benefit for years to come. 

When it comes to our fiber cement production, 
we are also always looking for ways to reduce 
and reuse.

90%

Amount of waste 
recycled back 
into the product, 
avoiding landfills

Up to 40

metric tons per day

Amount of material 
recycled in the 
Philippines plant

MAKING STRIDES TO REDUCE 
HAZARDOUS WASTE

We strive for continuous improvement 
every day across all facets of our 
business. As part of our Zero Waste 
initiative, a key focus has been managing 
the generation of hazardous waste 
in our facilities to find ways to make 
impactful improvements. 

As a global industry leader, we are committed to 
seeking solutions that help protect our environment 
for future generations. Through rigorous research 
and collaboration with other industries, we have 
been able to find uses for 98% of what would be 
classified as hazardous waste into postindustrial 
recycled materials used as raw materials for 
others. With this, only 2% of this waste stream 
is sent out of our North American facilities as 
hazardous waste.

We are proud of strides made so far to reduce 
our impact and look forward to continuing to find 
new ways to improve.

98%

of our hazardous 
waste is recycled

Europe Investor Tour participants visiting our Wijchen, 
Netherlands plant.

29

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

COMMUNITY IMPACT

We strive to positively impact the people and 
families in the communities in which we operate 
and where our products are used.

COMPANY GIVING AND 
EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING

Company matching to amplify 
employees’ impact 

James Hardie and our employees are committed to making 
a positive difference in the communities where we live 
and work. Our locally-driven approach supports a range 
of community needs through company donations and 
employee-led engagement initiatives. We also form long-term 
relationships with organizations that respond to specific 
needs related to housing and community resilience. 

In addition to making direct charitable contributions, 
James Hardie offers employees a donation matching 
program to increase support to the nonprofits and causes 
that matter most to them.

In fiscal year 2020, James Hardie donated over 
US$1.5 million in product and company matching 
to organizations including but not limited to:

Donating products to help build or 
rebuild homes

Our products help build and protect homes for families 
around the world, providing us with a direct path for 
working with nonprofits in need of building materials. 
As a result, we have established a number of long-term 
relationships with several partners that focus on affordable 
housing, homebuilding and repair, and disaster recovery 
for families in need, including organizations such as 
Habitat for Humanity and World Vision. 

Habitat for Humanity homes built using 
James Hardie products.

Location: Traverse City, Michigan

30

•  World Vision

•  Habitat for Humanity

•  Urban Housing Solutions

•  Christopher House

•  Sacred Earth Foundation

•  Boy Scouts

•  Helping Overcome Poverty’s Existence

•  Knox Housing Partnership

•  Valley Youth House—Camp Fowler

•  Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC)

•  MTK Foundation—Camp Kamassa

•  Camille Place

•  Pulaski County High School VA

•  Willow Oak Montessori School.

Supporting local needs through 
employee‑led efforts 

At each location, employees participate in, and often initiate, 
local neighborhood initiatives and community support 
activities. Efforts across the company include:

•  Donating food, school supplies, clothing, toys and more

•  Volunteering at food banks, homeless shelters and home 

building and repair events

•  Participating in fundraising events such as Relay for Life.

DEMONSTRATING THE JAMES HARDIE SPIRIT OF GIVING

Our Philippines employees display great commitment to improving the lives of those in their community. 
From donating school supplies to underprivileged students and HardieFlex® boards to Habitat for Humanity projects 
to help emergency teams and families impacted by the eruption of the Taal volcano, we are proud of this team that 
rises to the occasion time and time again to support others.

The James Hardie Philippines team participated in many service efforts in fiscal year 2020, 
collectively supporting more than 3,000 individuals in various ways:

Provided free 
consultations 
and medicine 
to nearly 300 
adults, children 
and infants at a 
medical mission 
at Barangay San 
Isidro in the City 
of Cabuyao.

Donated 
school supplies 
to ~200 
underprivileged 
students of Pulo 
Elementary 
school in 
Cabuyao.

Adopted and 
cleaned up a 
two kilometer 
stretch of the 
San Cristobal 
River as part 
of the annual 
International 
Coastal 
Cleanup.

Donated food, 
clothes, hygiene 
kits and more to 
others affected 
at an evacuation 
site housing 
approximately 
250 families 
and more than 
1,000 evacuees.

Donated blood 
in coordination 
with the 
Philippine 
National Red 
Cross.

RECOGNIZED FOR A DECADE 
OF HELPING FAMILIES REBUILD 

As a leader in the building industry, 
James Hardie has a unique opportunity 
to help families and communities rebuild 
in a way that provides the much-needed 
healing and peace that only the protection 
of a home can bring.

In North America we have a partnership with World 
Vision, a humanitarian organization that provides new, 
top-quality building materials, school supplies and 
more to people in low-income communities. We have 
partnered with World Vision for more than 10 years, 
donating enough material to cover ~1,950 homes, 
helping North American families refurbish and rebuild 
in the wake of financial crises and natural disasters. 
James Hardie donated over 250,000 square feet of 
siding and trim in 2019 alone. 

We are proud of what we accomplish together and were 
humbled when our longstanding philanthropic efforts 
were honored by World Vision in January 2020 when 
we were presented with the 2019 Crystal Vision Award.

250,000 sq ft  
of siding and trim 
donated in 2019

10+ years, 
1,950 homes

Chief Commercial Officer, Sean Gadd, accepting the 2019 
Crystal Vision Award, honoring James Hardie’s 10+ years 
of philanthropic efforts.

31

2020 Annual ReviewSUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS

PROMOTING ETHICAL AND 
RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT

James Hardie seeks to maintain the highest standards of 
integrity. We are committed to ensuring that the company 
conducts business ethically, responsibly and in compliance 
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. 

Our Global Code of Business Conduct communicates 
expectations for directors, employees and managers, as well 
as those acting on behalf of the company to do the right thing. 
It describes what personal, business and financial integrity 
means at a best-in-class, industry-leading organization. Our core 
values, along with our collective commitment to Zero Harm, 
serve as a critical foundation in how we conduct ourselves. 

James Hardie operates under the regulatory requirements 
of numerous jurisdictions, including those of its corporate 
domicile (Ireland) and its principal stock exchange listings 
(Australia and the United States).

All employees and directors are expected to comply with 
both the spirit and the letter of all laws and other statutory 
requirements, including International Trade Controls (ITCs) 
and James Hardie’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, 
which govern our business conduct in all countries in which 
we operate. Policies are available on our Investor Relations 
website (www.ir.jameshardie.com.au).

Training and engagement

Employees receive training during the onboarding process 
and are required to review the Code of Conduct annually. 
We also provide communications to reinforce various topics 
on an ongoing basis. In 2019, we updated our Code of 
Conduct and deployed training across the company, both 
online and on-site in locations at higher risk for certain issues, 
to ensure employees understand how to identify and navigate 
situations with integrity. In addition, the CEO spoke at a 
global employee town hall to reinforce the importance of the 
Code of Conduct. At the end of fiscal year 2020, the rollout 
was nearly 90% complete, with the remaining employees 
expected to be fully trained in the first half of fiscal year 2021. 

James Hardie believes strong 
corporate governance is 
essential to fulfilling our 
mission and achieving our 
vision for growth.

It also ensures we maintain the trust and confidence of 
investors, customers, employees, communities, regulatory 
agencies and other stakeholders. Moreover, in an 
ever-changing market, we find it increasingly important 
to integrate the oversight of social and environmental 
considerations at the highest levels of governance as 
well as in our strategic, risk management and operational 
practices to ensure long-term performance and resiliency.

OVERSIGHT OF 
SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED TOPICS

To ensure oversight of sustainability-related topics and 
strategy by the Board of Directors, we have established 
a cross-functional ESG Steering Committee, headed by 
the CEO and members of the Executive Leadership Team. 
The CEO then reports regularly to the James Hardie Board. 

To help lead and coordinate ESG efforts across our 
operations, we established a Global Working Group led by 
the Global ESG Leader with representatives from functions 
across our business such as Legal/Risk, Human Resources, 
Operations, Research & Development, Investor Relations 
and Environmental Health & Safety. The Global Working 
Group reports to the ESG Steering Committee. This structure 
promotes strong lateral input and support across the 
company while ensuring sustainability matters are reported 
to and receive consultation from the most senior-level 
executives in our company and Board. 

Executive remuneration

Although we are not required to produce a remuneration 
report under applicable Irish, Australian or US rules or 
regulations, we have voluntarily produced one since 2005. 
The report is available on our Investor Relations website 
(www.ir.jameshardie.com.au).

The Remuneration report describes the executive 
remuneration philosophy, programs and objectives of 
the Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors, 
as well as the executive remuneration plans and programs 
implemented by James Hardie.

32

James Hardie Board

ESG Steering Committee
(CEO and Executive Leadership Team)

Global ESG Leader and 
Global Working Group

Legal/Risk

Human 
Resources

Operations

Research & 
Development

Investor 
Relations

Environmental 
Health & Safety

Safe avenues to raise concerns

We encourage our employees to speak up if they see 
something that is questionable or appears to be in 
violation of the Code of Conduct either to their manager, 
a representative in our HR or Legal and Compliance 
departments or anonymously via our Complaints/Ethics 
Hotline. This hotline is managed by an independent, 
external provider. All complaints, whether to the Ethics 
Hotline or otherwise, are initially reported directly to 
the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, 
US Employment Counsel and the Director of Internal Audit 
(except in cases where the complaint refers to one of them). 
Complaints deemed material are referred immediately 
to the Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee. 
Less serious complaints are reported to the Audit Committee 
on a quarterly basis. The Committee meets periodically 
with management and the General Counsel to discuss 
whistleblower complaints received by the company, if any, 
and the procedures for the reporting and handling of relevant 
whistleblower complaints. James Hardie has zero tolerance 
for retaliation against those who raise concerns in good faith. 

Responsible procurement

James Hardie is committed to the sustainable and ethical 
procurement of products and services and continuous 
improvement to minimize the environmental and social 
impacts associated with our network. Our Supplier Code 
of Conduct, which outlines minimum standards for health, 
safety, environment and labor, including prohibiting the use 
of child and enslaved labor, is shared with all vendors and 
suppliers. We manage supplier relationships through our 
contractor and supplier management portal, which includes 
minimum requirements that vendors must meet, along 
with ongoing engagements with our business partners. 
We encourage self-auditing on adherence to the Supplier 
Code of Conduct, along with working collectively to address 
and responsibly solve issues for all involved. In line with this, 
we are also working towards understanding and assessing 
modern slavery risks within our supply chains to prohibit the 
use of any illegal, forced, bonded or involuntary labor.

ASBESTOS FUNDING

During fiscal year 2021, 
James Hardie will contribute 
approximately US$153.3 million 
to the Asbestos Injuries 
Compensation Fund (AICF).

This amount represents 35% of James Hardie’s 
free cash flow for fiscal year 2020, which 
James Hardie is obliged to contribute as part of 
its commitment under the Amended and Restated 
Final Funding Agreement (AFFA). We are intending 
to make our annual contribution to the Asbestos 
Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) in quarterly 
installments, versus one lump sum in July 2020, 
as allowed under the provisions of the AFFA.

Including its July 2020 contribution, James Hardie 
will have provided over A$1.6 billion towards 
asbestos compensation.

Annual Actuarial Assessment

KPMG Actuarial conducts an annual actuarial 
assessment of AICF’s liabilities as a regular 
update of projections in line with actual claims 
experience and the claims outlook.

James Hardie received an updated actuarial report 
from KPMG Actuarial at 31 March 2020, which 
showed that the undiscounted and uninflated 
central estimate net of insurance recoveries 
increased from A$1.400 billion at 31 March 2019 
to A$1.452 billion at 31 March 2020.

James Hardie discloses summary information 
on claims numbers as part of its quarterly results 
releases. For additional information, please see 
the full 2020 actuarial report of KPMG Actuarial, 
which is available on our Investor Relations 
website (www.ir.jameshardie.com.au).

33

2020 Annual ReviewBOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Hardie’s non-executive directors have widespread experience, 
spanning general management, innovation, finance, manufacturing, 
marketing and accounting. 

Michael Hammes  BS, MBA
Non-executive Chairman

Michael Hammes was elected as an 
independent non-executive director in February 
2007. He was appointed Chairman of the 
Board in January 2008 and is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee and the Nominating 
and Governance Committee. 

Jack Truong  BS, PhD
Executive director

Dr. Jack Truong joined James Hardie in April 
2017 and was announced CEO successor and 
appointed President and Chief Operating Officer 
with the responsibility of running the company’s 
global business in September 2018. He was 
officially appointed CEO and to the Board of 
Directors in January 2019.

Brian Anderson  BS, MBA, CPA
Non-executive director

Brian Anderson was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director in 
December 2006. He is Chairman of the 
Audit Committee and a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Russell Chenu  BCom, MBA
Non-executive director

Russell Chenu was appointed as a 
non-executive director in August 2014. He is a 
member of the Remuneration Committee and 
the Nominating and Governance Committee.

David D. Harrison  BA, MBA, CMA
Non-executive director

David Harrison was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director in 
May 2008. He is Chairman of the Nominating 
and Governance Committee and a member 
of the Audit Committee.

Andrea Gisle Joosen  BSc, MSc
Non-executive director

Andrea Gisle Joosen was appointed as 
an independent non-executive director 
of James Hardie in March 2015. She is 
a member of the Audit Committee.

Persio V. Lisboa  BS
Non-executive director

Persio Lisboa was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director in 
February 2018. He is Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Anne Lloyd  BS, CPA
Non-executive director

Anne Lloyd was appointed as an independent 
non-executive director in November 2018. 
Ms Lloyd served as a member of the Audit 
Committee until 26 August 2019, at which time 
she stepped down from such position concurrent 
with her appointment as Interim CFO; a position 
she held until 25 February 2020.

Moe Nozari  BA, MS, PhD and 
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Non-executive director

Dr. Moe Nozari was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director 
in November 2019. He is a member of 
the Remuneration Committee and the 
Nominating and Governance Committee.

Rada Rodriguez  MSc
Non-executive director

Rada Rodriguez was appointed 
as an independent non-executive 
director in November 2018. She is 
a member of the Nominating and 
Governance Committee.

Nigel Stein  CA, BSc
Non-executive director

Nigel Stein was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director 
in May 2020. He is a member of the 
Audit Committee.

Harold Wiens  BS
Non-executive director

Harold Wiens was appointed as an 
independent non-executive director 
in May 2020. He is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

34

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Our management is overseen by our executive team, whose members 
cover the key areas of general management, commercial, innovation, 
manufacturing and operations, finance, human resources and legal.

Jack Truong  BS, PhD
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Jack Truong joined James Hardie 
in April 2017 and was announced CEO 
successor and appointed President and 
Chief Operating Officer with the responsibility 
of running the company’s global business in 
September 2018. He was officially appointed 
CEO in January 2019.

Jason Miele  BA
Chief Financial Officer

Jason Miele joined James Hardie in 2007 
and was appointed as CFO in February 2020. 
As CFO he oversees the company’s overall 
financial activities, including accounting, tax, 
treasury, performance and competitor analysis, 
internal audit, financial operations, information 
systems, and investor and media relations. 

Julie Katigan  BA, MA
Chief Human Resources Officer

Julie Katigan joined James Hardie in May 
2019 as Chief Human Resources Officer 
with responsibility for the company’s 
global human resource activities, including 
employee engagement, leadership and talent 
development, and human resources strategy.

Joe Blasko  BSFS, JD
General Counsel, Chief Compliance 
Officer and Company Secretary

Joe Blasko joined James Hardie as General 
Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in June 
2011 and was appointed Company Secretary 
in June 2020. Mr Blasko has responsibility 
for the company’s legal and regulatory 
compliance, corporate governance, enterprise 
risk management and government relations.

Sean Gadd  BEng, MBA
Executive Vice President, 
North America Commercial

Sean Gadd joined James Hardie in 2004 
and was appointed Executive Vice President, 
North America Commercial in December 
2018 with responsibility for sales, products, 
segments and marketing.

Robert Stefansic  BSc, MBA
Executive Vice President, 
North America End to End Supply Chain

Bob Stefansic joined James Hardie in July 2020 
as Executive Vice President, North America, End 
to End Supply Chain with responsibility for driving 
operational efficiencies and improvements across the 
supply chain, with emphasis on delivering business 
value via the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System.

Johnny Cope  BA
Senior Vice President, 
North America Sales

Johnny Cope joined James Hardie in February 
2019 as the Senior Vice President, North America 
Sales with responsibility for delivering the James 
Hardie value proposition, trusted brand and products, 
best-in-class supply chain and technical service 
framework to the company’s most valued customers.

Ryan Kilcullen  BSc, MS
Executive Vice President, 
North America Operations

Ryan Kilcullen joined James Hardie in 
2007 and was appointed Executive Vice 
President, Operations in August 2016 
with responsibility for the company’s supply 
chain, manufacturing, engineering and 
environmental, health & safety operations.

Conrad Groenewald   
B.Tech, MDP, MBA

General Manager, Asia Pacific

Conrad Groenewald joined James Hardie 
in January 2015 as General Manager, 
Asia Pacific and has responsibility for running 
the company’s business across Australia, 
New Zealand, the Philippines and the rest 
of South East Asia.

Jörg Brinkmann  MS, PhD
General Manager, Europe

Dr. Jörg Brinkmann joined James Hardie in 
April 2018 as General Manager, Europe as 
part of the Fermacell GmbH acquisition. In this 
role he is responsible for running the company’s 
European activities, which are headquartered 
in Düsseldorf, Germany.

35

2020 Annual ReviewSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

2020 KEY DATES AND CALENDAR

SHARE/CUFS REGISTRY

James Hardie Industries plc’s registry 
is managed by Computershare. 
All enquiries and correspondence 
regarding holdings should be directed to:

Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd 
Level 5, 115 Grenfell Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 

OR

GPO Box 2975 
Melbourne VIC 3001

Telephone within Australia: 1300 850 505 
Telephone outside Australia: +61 (0) 3 9415 4000

Website: www.computershare.com

James Hardie Industries plc 
(ARBN 097 829 895)

Incorporated in Ireland with its registered office 
at Europa House, Second Floor, Harcourt Centre, 
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02 WR20, Ireland 
and registered number 485719. The liability of its 
members is limited.

™ or ® denotes a trademark or Registered mark 
owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

©2020. James Hardie Industries plc.

31 MARCH

End of James Hardie 
Industries plc fiscal year 2020

19 MAY

20 MAY

FY20 Quarter 4 and Full Year 
results and management 
presentation

Annual Report on Form 20-F 
released

11 AUGUST

FY21 Quarter 1 results and 
management presentation

24 AUGUST

Annual Review released

4 NOVEMBER

Voting Instruction Forms close 
8:00am (Irish Standard Time)/ 
7:00pm Sydney (Australian 
Eastern Standard Time) for 
Annual General Meeting

NOVEMBER

Annual General Meeting

10 NOVEMBER

FY21 Quarter 2 and Half Year 
results and management 
presentation

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

Europa House, Second Floor 
Harcourt Centre 
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02 WR20, Ireland 
Telephone +353 1 411 6924 
Facsimile +353 1 479 1128

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The 2020 AGM of James Hardie Industries plc 
will be held in November 2020 on a date and 
from a location that is dependent upon the 
relevant travel restrictions in place due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Further details will be set 
out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting 2020. 

36

DISCLAIMER

FORWARD-LOOKING 
STATEMENTS 

Certain statements in this Annual Review may 
constitute “forward-looking statements” as 
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act of 1995. James Hardie uses such words as 
“believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” 
“target,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” 
“guideline,” “aim,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “continue,” 
“may,” “objective,” “outlook” and similar expressions 
are intended to identify forward-looking statements 
but are not the exclusive means of identifying such 
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place 
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements 
and all such forward-looking statements are 
qualified in their entirety by reference to the 
following cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on 
James Hardie’s current expectations, estimates 
and assumptions and because forward-looking 
statements address future results, events and 
conditions, they, by their very nature, involve 
inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which 
are unforeseeable and beyond the company’s 
control. Many factors could cause the actual 
results, performance or achievements of 
James Hardie to be materially different from 
those expressed or implied in this Annual 
Review, including, among others, the risks and 
uncertainties set forth in Section 3 “Risk Factors” 
in James Hardie’s Annual Report on Form 20-F 
for the year ended 31 March 2020; changes 
in general economic, political, governmental 
and business conditions globally and in the 
countries in which James Hardie does business, 
including the effect and consequences of the 
novel coronavirus public health crisis; changes in 
interest rates, changes in inflation rates; changes 
in exchange rates; the level of construction 
generally; changes in cement demand and 
prices; changes in raw material and energy 
prices; changes in business strategy and various 
other factors. Should one or more of these risks 
or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying 
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may 
vary materially from those described herein. 
These forward-looking statements are made as 
of the date of this Annual Review and James 
Hardie does not assume any obligation to update 
them, except as required by law. Investors are 
encouraged to review James Hardie’s Annual 
Report on Form 20-F, and specifically the risk 
factors discussed therein, as it contains important 
disclosures regarding the risks attendant to 
investing in our securities.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL 
INFORMATION

This Annual Review contains financial measures 
that are not considered a measure of financial 
performance under US GAAP and should not 
be considered to be more meaningful than the 
equivalent US GAAP measure. Management has 
included such measures to provide investors 
with an alternative method for assessing its 
operating results in a manner that is focused 
on the performance of its ongoing operations. 
Additionally, management uses such non-GAAP 
financial measures for the same purposes. 
However, these non-GAAP financial measures 
are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP, 
may not be reported by all of James Hardie’s 
competitors and may not be directly comparable 
to similarly titled measures of James Hardie’s 
competitors due to potential differences in the 
exact method of calculation. For additional 
information regarding the non-GAAP financial 
measures presented in this Annual Review, 
including a reconciliation of each non-GAAP 
financial measure to the equivalent US GAAP 
measure, see the sections titled “Definition and 
Other Terms” and “Non-US GAAP Financial 
Measures” included in James Hardie’s 
Management’s Analysis of Results for the fourth 
quarter and 12 months ended 31 March 2020.

FINANCIAL FOOTNOTES

Unless otherwise stated all $’s are US$ millions.

1    Unless otherwise stated for fiscal years 2020, 

2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 Adjusted Net Operating 
Profit graphs and editorial comments throughout 
this report refer to results from operations that 
may exclude asbestos-related expenses and 
adjustments, asset impairment charges, product 
line discontinuation expenses, New Zealand 
weathertightness claims, tax adjustments, loss on 
early debt extinguishment and acquisition costs 
incurred prior to the close of Fermacell.

2  Unless otherwise stated for fiscal years 2020, 2019, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 Adjusted EBIT graphs and 
editorial comments throughout this report refer to 
EBIT that may exclude asbestos-related expenses 
and adjustments, asset impairment charges, 
product line discontinuation expenses, New Zealand 
weathertightness claims and acquisition costs 
incurred prior to the close of Fermacell.

37

2020 Annual Review