CRH stands at the threshold of a transformative era, positioning itself at the intersection where infrastructure development and cutting-edge digital technology converge. Under the strategic leadership of CEO Jim Mintern, the company is not merely adapting to technological change—it is actively shaping the direction in which the broader construction and materials industry evolves. By integrating artificial intelligence into its operational and decision-making processes, CRH seeks to redefine efficiency and foresight within infrastructure projects, ensuring that data-driven insights guide both immediate actions and long-term growth strategies.
Mintern’s vision extends beyond adopting AI as a technological tool; it represents a philosophical shift toward embedding intelligence into every layer of the organization’s activities. The company’s exploration of data centers exemplifies this shift, reflecting an understanding that as global digital demand rises—propelled by cloud computing, connected devices, and 24/7 data processing—physical infrastructure must evolve accordingly. Data centers, while seemingly digital in purpose, rely heavily on advanced construction materials, energy management systems, and sustainable design approaches—areas where CRH’s traditional expertise provides an irreplaceable advantage.
Equally significant is CRH’s disciplined approach to mergers and acquisitions, which Mintern highlights as a key component of the firm’s forward-looking strategy. Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, the company focuses on identifying opportunities that strengthen its technological capabilities, complement its existing portfolio, and enable seamless integration of digital innovation throughout its infrastructure operations. This deliberate and methodical approach ensures that each strategic move reinforces the company’s foundational strength while simultaneously extending its reach into the evolving digital economy.
CRH’s vision, therefore, is both pragmatic and ambitious: it acknowledges the enduring importance of robust, high-quality infrastructure as the backbone of global development while recognizing that the future of construction increasingly depends on intelligent systems, advanced analytics, and sustainable innovation. Through the thoughtful application of AI, the strategic expansion into data center development, and the pursuit of synergistic acquisitions, CRH is crafting a path that bridges traditional engineering with the promises of the digital age. Jim Mintern’s leadership encapsulates this dual focus—maintaining unwavering commitment to excellence in infrastructure while illuminating the possibilities that emerge when human expertise and technological intelligence operate in concert.
Sourse: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-02-19/crh-ceo-on-their-ai-data-center-strategy-video
