Air Products Names Seifi Ghasemi Chairman, President and CEO

Air Products’ Board of Directors announced today that Seifi Ghasemi has been named its new chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective July 1. Ghasemi is currently a director of the company, and chairman and chief executive officer of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. Ghasemi succeeds John E. McGlade who will continue to serve in his current role through June 30 and then retire.

Ghasemi, who was appointed to the Board of Air Products in September 2013, is an accomplished global business leader who brings an ideal combination of financial and operational acumen, significant experience overseeing an international portfolio, and expertise in the industrial gases, specialty chemicals and advanced materials industries. Since 2001, he has served as chairman and CEO of Rockwood Holdings, a global leader in inorganic specialty chemicals and advanced materials. Prior to joining Rockwood, Ghasemi held a number of leadership positions at global industrial companies, including chairman and CEO of GKN Sinter Metals, Inc., and in a variety of senior roles with The BOC Group, which is now part of Linde AG.

“Seifi is a highly respected and dynamic leader with a strong track record of delivering superior shareholder returns and financial performance. Air Products has benefited greatly from his insights and guidance on the Board, and we are pleased that his significant skills will continue to benefit Air Products’ employees, shareholders, customers and communities as he works to accelerate the momentum in our business,” said Evert Henkes, presiding director of the Air Products Board. Henkes added that the Board also wishes to thank and recognize McGlade for almost 40 years of service to Air Products and the leadership he has demonstrated during that time.

“Air Products is a unique, global business with leading market positions in key regions and a well-balanced geographic footprint. I am excited by the many significant growth opportunities that lie ahead, driven by energy, environmental and emerging markets. The opportunity to advance this great company and improve returns is a tremendous privilege. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to take Air Products forward,” said Ghasemi.