Edition 2025
Meet the 2025 Jury
Fernando Martin
Jury President
International Market Manager
Saint-Gobain
International Market Manager
Saint-Gobain
Civil Engineer & MBA, Fernando Martin has more than 30 years’ experience developing products for construction in international companies and inthe last 20 years in drywall industry.
Initially working in one of the most important global companies of chemical products for construction, Fernando was in charge of sealants and adhesives for building construction introducing elastic structural adhesives in façade systems.
In the drywal industry Fernando started managing plasterboard products & systems in Placo Spain continuing his career as regional director of Portugal, later Morocco and later managing Export department.
Today, as International Market Manager in Saint Gobain, Fernando develops his activity as expert in lightweight façade systems, cement board technologies and X-Ray solutions.
Initially working in one of the most important global companies of chemical products for construction, Fernando was in charge of sealants and adhesives for building construction introducing elastic structural adhesives in façade systems.
In the drywal industry Fernando started managing plasterboard products & systems in Placo Spain continuing his career as regional director of Portugal, later Morocco and later managing Export department.
Today, as International Market Manager in Saint Gobain, Fernando develops his activity as expert in lightweight façade systems, cement board technologies and X-Ray solutions.
Laureano Matas Trenas
Architect, Secretary General
Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España
Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España
Laureano Matas Trenas, born in Córdoba in 1972, is an architect specializing in urban planning. He graduated from UPM ETSAM in 1999 and has been practicing since then. He founded the firm URBItectura L+L, focusing on residential architecture, unique rehabilitation projects, urban planning, and technical consulting.
Professionally, he has a diverse portfolio. In 2003, he won a national competition for a nursery project in Jaén, funded by the EU. From 2005 to 2015, he served as the external technical director for the Jaén Urban Planning Office, completing the final approval work. He also contributed to the strategic plan for the city of Jaén and worked on the urban plan for Siles from 2014 to 2021.
Laureano co-directed the International Landscape Workshop from 2014 to 2018 and has been a member of the Provincial Expropriation Jury for the Ministry of Public Administrations since 2015. He collaborated on the urban plan for La Línea de la Concepción between 2018 and 2020.
In his professional association, he served as Treasurer and Vice Dean of the Official College of Architects of Jaén from 2007 to 2015 and as Secretary and Vice Dean from 2015 to 2017. He joined BIM subgroups in 2015 and was elected Secretary General of the CSCAE in 2018, a position he held until 2021 and was re-elected for the 2022-2025 term. During his tenure, he implemented various digital and regulatory initiatives and coordinated BIM courses.
Professionally, he has a diverse portfolio. In 2003, he won a national competition for a nursery project in Jaén, funded by the EU. From 2005 to 2015, he served as the external technical director for the Jaén Urban Planning Office, completing the final approval work. He also contributed to the strategic plan for the city of Jaén and worked on the urban plan for Siles from 2014 to 2021.
Laureano co-directed the International Landscape Workshop from 2014 to 2018 and has been a member of the Provincial Expropriation Jury for the Ministry of Public Administrations since 2015. He collaborated on the urban plan for La Línea de la Concepción between 2018 and 2020.
In his professional association, he served as Treasurer and Vice Dean of the Official College of Architects of Jaén from 2007 to 2015 and as Secretary and Vice Dean from 2015 to 2017. He joined BIM subgroups in 2015 and was elected Secretary General of the CSCAE in 2018, a position he held until 2021 and was re-elected for the 2022-2025 term. During his tenure, he implemented various digital and regulatory initiatives and coordinated BIM courses.
Margret Morcos
LEED Green Associate
Architectural Solutions Manager
CertainTeed Canada
Architectural Solutions Manager
CertainTeed Canada
Margret has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry field, she earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design in Egypt and is now a certified LEED Green Associate.
She worked for nine years at Saint Gobain – Gyproc Egypt, where her last position was Project Solutions Manager. In this role, she specialized in interior design specifications for the full Gyproc product range and ceiling solutions, working closely with architects, developers, and contractors, as well as the development of innovative building materials.
Currently, as the Architectural Solutions Manager at Saint Gobain – CertainTeed Canada, Margret manages the specification and design process for Certainteed’s product portfolio in collaboration with architects and developers in Ontario. Her role is to ensure that products are accurately specified to meet the needs of owners, architects and building codes, with a focus on critical factors such as sound insulation, moisture control and fire safety.
She worked for nine years at Saint Gobain – Gyproc Egypt, where her last position was Project Solutions Manager. In this role, she specialized in interior design specifications for the full Gyproc product range and ceiling solutions, working closely with architects, developers, and contractors, as well as the development of innovative building materials.
Currently, as the Architectural Solutions Manager at Saint Gobain – CertainTeed Canada, Margret manages the specification and design process for Certainteed’s product portfolio in collaboration with architects and developers in Ontario. Her role is to ensure that products are accurately specified to meet the needs of owners, architects and building codes, with a focus on critical factors such as sound insulation, moisture control and fire safety.
Jason Hird
Head of Technical Development
Gyproc UAE
Gyproc UAE
Jason Hird has over 24 years of experience at Gyproc Saint-Gobain, where he currently serves as Head of Technical Development for the UAE. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Jason has played a key role in shaping the company’s technical strategies and supporting the growth of the construction materials industry in the Middle East.
Having spent 18 years in the region, Jason has worked on projects that address the unique challenges of both architecture and the environment. His work on the Museum of the Future and the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020, where he helped develop cutting-edge solutions, stands out as key examples of his contributions to the industry.
Jason is particularly skilled in creating high-performance drywall and gypsum-based systems, with a focus on improving fire safety, acoustics, and environmental impact. His leadership has helped ensure that Gyproc’s products meet the highest standards of quality, earning the trust of clients and partners.
Through his work, Jason has helped Gyproc Saint-Gobain become a trusted name in the region, innovating and delivering sustainable and reliable solutions that align with Saint-Gobain’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints in construction.
Jason continues to be dedicated to improving industry practices and sharing knowledge, positioning him as a respected leader in the construction sector.
Having spent 18 years in the region, Jason has worked on projects that address the unique challenges of both architecture and the environment. His work on the Museum of the Future and the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020, where he helped develop cutting-edge solutions, stands out as key examples of his contributions to the industry.
Jason is particularly skilled in creating high-performance drywall and gypsum-based systems, with a focus on improving fire safety, acoustics, and environmental impact. His leadership has helped ensure that Gyproc’s products meet the highest standards of quality, earning the trust of clients and partners.
Through his work, Jason has helped Gyproc Saint-Gobain become a trusted name in the region, innovating and delivering sustainable and reliable solutions that align with Saint-Gobain’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints in construction.
Jason continues to be dedicated to improving industry practices and sharing knowledge, positioning him as a respected leader in the construction sector.
Niharika Gujar
Head of Marketing Ceilings
Gyproc India
Gyproc India
Niharika Gujar is a seasoned marketing professional currently serving as the Senoir Marketing Lead B2B and Category Manager at Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd. – Gyproc Business. Based in Mumbai, Niharika brings over 14 years of experience in developing and executing innovative marketing, business development, and sales strategies that drive growth and sustainability. Niharika holds a graduation degree in Biotechnology and an MBA in Marketing from Pune University. Her academic background is complemented by her extensive professional experience, which includes roles at Saint-Gobain Gyproc India, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, and a brief stint at General Electric.
Niharika’s key strengths and skills include strategic planning, B2B marketing expertise, innovation, critical thinking, negotiation, financial acumen, cross-functional collaboration.Her focus on business expansion and excellence in managing product lifecycles, developing new products, and driving customer engagement and brand loyalty are key attributes that contribute to her success.
Niharika’s key strengths and skills include strategic planning, B2B marketing expertise, innovation, critical thinking, negotiation, financial acumen, cross-functional collaboration.Her focus on business expansion and excellence in managing product lifecycles, developing new products, and driving customer engagement and brand loyalty are key attributes that contribute to her success.
James Maclean
Head of Training Academies
British Gypsum and Isover UK
British Gypsum and Isover UK
James Maclean serves as the Head of Training Academies for British Gypsum and Isover, key brands within Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions in the UK. In his role, James drives the strategic direction and operational management of the company’s four “Build Better Academies,” ensuring their alignment with Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions overarching business goals and the evolving needs of the UK construction market to build sustainable, skilled, competent talent.
James’s qualifications include a BA Honours in Business Management, an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, and a Certificate in Education, alongside specialised certifications in education and interior systems installation. His career in Saint-Gobain spans nearly 30 years and has taken in various roles, from Trainer and Technical Support Representative to Training Academy Manager, and now to his current position where he oversees national training operations. James is committed to continuous improvement and the effective use of innovative digital tools, including AI and VR, which enhance training accessibility and engagement. These tools ensure that British Gypsum and Isover products are installed to the highest standard, fostering product knowledge and skilful execution across the industry.
Actively involved with WorldSkills, James contributes to the Plastering and Drywall category, supporting the creation of the test piece for the 2024 WorldSkills Lyon event’ and formerly with WorldSkills UK, where he was part of the selection panel for the Plastering and Drywall category and supported the training program for the UK competitors. His dedication to skills development is also reflected in his ongoing engagement with various UK industry working groups focused on construction skills and talent attraction, helping to strengthen the future workforce of the construction sector in the UK.
James’s qualifications include a BA Honours in Business Management, an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, and a Certificate in Education, alongside specialised certifications in education and interior systems installation. His career in Saint-Gobain spans nearly 30 years and has taken in various roles, from Trainer and Technical Support Representative to Training Academy Manager, and now to his current position where he oversees national training operations. James is committed to continuous improvement and the effective use of innovative digital tools, including AI and VR, which enhance training accessibility and engagement. These tools ensure that British Gypsum and Isover products are installed to the highest standard, fostering product knowledge and skilful execution across the industry.
Actively involved with WorldSkills, James contributes to the Plastering and Drywall category, supporting the creation of the test piece for the 2024 WorldSkills Lyon event’ and formerly with WorldSkills UK, where he was part of the selection panel for the Plastering and Drywall category and supported the training program for the UK competitors. His dedication to skills development is also reflected in his ongoing engagement with various UK industry working groups focused on construction skills and talent attraction, helping to strengthen the future workforce of the construction sector in the UK.
Els Descheemaeker
Marketing Director Gypsum & Insulation Building Activities
Saint-Gobain Belux
Saint-Gobain Belux
With more 25 years of experience, Els has a wealth of expertise in innovation, product development, marketing, and business development. She has held various roles, from product manager to innovation manager, and has taken on multiple management positions across different sectors, including banking, telecom, and energy. For the past seven years, she has been working in the construction industry with Saint-Gobain.
As the Marketing Director, Els is a key member of the Benelux Gypsum & Insulation management team. She oversees product management and new product development, go-to-market strategies, the training center, digital marketing, commercial excellence, and technical support for job sites.
Together with her team, Els is responsible for understanding customers’ current and future needs. She leverages these insights to guide the development of the company’s offerings, driving innovation across products, systems, and service solutions to achieve profitable growth.
In her free time, Els enjoys spinning, gardening, and discovering new cultures with her family.
As the Marketing Director, Els is a key member of the Benelux Gypsum & Insulation management team. She oversees product management and new product development, go-to-market strategies, the training center, digital marketing, commercial excellence, and technical support for job sites.
Together with her team, Els is responsible for understanding customers’ current and future needs. She leverages these insights to guide the development of the company’s offerings, driving innovation across products, systems, and service solutions to achieve profitable growth.
In her free time, Els enjoys spinning, gardening, and discovering new cultures with her family.
Thiago Dorlhac
Product Manager
Saint-Gobain Brazil
Saint-Gobain Brazil
Thiago Dorlhac is a Brazilian professional, graduated in Architecture and Urban Planning, with an MBA in Marketing. He has 15 years of experience in marketing, specializing in product development. Currently, he serves as a Product Manager for the Technical Sales channel at Saint-Gobain, managing the portfolios of Placo, Isover, Quartzolit, Brasilit, and Ecophon. His work is centered on delivering innovative strategies and products that enhance the customer experience.
Dutt Thirumalai
International Market Manager Global Segments
Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain
Engineer and International business management graduate, Dutt Thirumalai has been in the construction Industry for over 24 years working in Project Management, Sales, Business Development, Global Product Management, International Business Development, and International Market Management across variety of roles.
He began his career in construction industry in Contracting moving to Project Management and Business Development roles in UK. After a decade of experience, he moved to construction manufacturing business working in facades, speciality tools, resins and anchoring, structural waterproofing working in UK & Ireland.
His career in Saint-Gobain began at British Gypsum in sales and then moving onto business development managing key accounts. Dutt took on a position of Market Development Manager in South Africa coaching and mentoring sales, technical specification teams.
Following the stint in Africa, he moved to Central Marketing function role in France taking on Global Product Management and International Business Development roles for Gypsum business and then moving as Knowledge Manager focussing on Light construction Strategy for the group.
He took on his current role as International Market Manager–Global Segments bringing focus on new market segments and to leverage extensive range of solutions available within Saint-Gobain and to support businesses position their offer to its customers. He is also active in other construction industry associations advocating the need for light construction to address key challenges facing built-environment and its stakeholders.
He began his career in construction industry in Contracting moving to Project Management and Business Development roles in UK. After a decade of experience, he moved to construction manufacturing business working in facades, speciality tools, resins and anchoring, structural waterproofing working in UK & Ireland.
His career in Saint-Gobain began at British Gypsum in sales and then moving onto business development managing key accounts. Dutt took on a position of Market Development Manager in South Africa coaching and mentoring sales, technical specification teams.
Following the stint in Africa, he moved to Central Marketing function role in France taking on Global Product Management and International Business Development roles for Gypsum business and then moving as Knowledge Manager focussing on Light construction Strategy for the group.
He took on his current role as International Market Manager–Global Segments bringing focus on new market segments and to leverage extensive range of solutions available within Saint-Gobain and to support businesses position their offer to its customers. He is also active in other construction industry associations advocating the need for light construction to address key challenges facing built-environment and its stakeholders.
Rupert Neumann
International Senior Product Manager
Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain
Rupert has been in the building materials industry for 30 years covering several functions in R&D and Marketing, first in Germany and Spain, now on international level. This is the seventh Saint-Gobain International trophy awards in which he has been involved in and the sixth time as International Jury. In addition to other marketing roles and support for several countries, he is also responsible for the Global Product Management of Building Plasters and Plasterboard Finishing within the activity.
More information about the Jury
Jury members are selected by the International Gypsum Trophy Organization Team to guarantee objectivity and to ensure full comprehension of all technical aspects of the competing projects. The 14th International Jury is made of Saint-Gobain representatives and external profesionnals.
To ensure that all entries are judged on an equitable basis, specific judging criteria have been developed for the International Jury. The jury members are able to both assess the technical skills of drywall contractors and the overall performance of the systems and solutions implemented during the course of the projects.
About the International Gypsum Trophy
This unique international event is a major opportunity to recognize outstanding collaboration between Saint-Gobain and its customers.
The competing projects serve as a reference for drywall system craftsmanship in the Gypsum industry and inspire greatness among the international interior building community.