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27 min ago 2 min read
Industrial gas major Air Products has appointed Kurt Lefevere and Francesco Maione as group presidents, with the changes taking effect on 1 November.
Both executives will report to CEO Eduardo Menezes, with Lefevere taking responsibility for the Americas and Maione overseeing Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Lefevere is currently president of Air Products Asia, while Maione serves as president of Americas, Helium and Rare Gases.
In his new role, Lefevere will oversee atmospheric gases businesses across North and South America, North American hydrogen and carbon monoxide (HyCO), and several equipment businesses.
His remit will also include global HyCO project delivery, equipment sales and plant support.
Maione will oversee Air Products’ operations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia, alongside its helium and rare gases businesses.
He will also be responsible for global air separation unit and standard plant solutions project delivery.
The appointments are intended to strengthen coordination between the company’s regional businesses, customers and project delivery operations, according to a company statement.
“Their industry expertise, global perspectives, and deep knowledge of Air Products will help us profitably grow our industrial gases business,” said Menezes.
The appointments follow Air Products’ in July, when it reported an operating loss of $2.1bn. The loss reflected $2.9bn in charges, largely linked to the cancellation of major clean energy projects, including a planned blue hydrogen facility in Louisiana.
Despite the charges, quarterly sales rose 5% to $3.2bn, while adjusted earnings per share increased 12% to $3.47. Menezes said at the time that the company had a “clear pathway to reduce capital expenditures and drive continued profitable growth”.
