Press Releases & Media Centre
AIR PRODUCTS APPOINTS BERNARD GUERINI
AS EUROPEAN PRESIDENT
Incumbent President Ronaldo Sullam to retire February 1,
2002
Hersham, UK (25th January 2002) - The board of Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD) has appointed Bernard
Guerini to the position of president, Air Products Europe,
Inc., effective February 1, 2001. Mr. Guerini will succeed
Ronaldo Sullam who has chosen to retire after 37 years of
service.
Mr. Guerini moves to Air Products' European gases headquarters
in Surrey, UK, from Allentown Pennsylvania, where he has
been vice president, North America Gases, for the last two
and a half years.
Announcing Mr. Guerini's appointment, Air Products' chairman
and chief executive officer, John P. Jones, said, "Bernard
brings a wealth of experience gained across Europe and the
United States during the last 26 years. Most recently as
vice president North America Gases, he has successfully
led our merchant gases business during a period of unprecedented
energy costs and a declining US economy.
"Our board, my executive team and I have the utmost
confidence in Bernard's abilities and expect continued success
for him in his quest to grow our already strong European
gases business in an ever-more competitive environment."
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Guerini said, "We
hold a variety of market-leading and strong number two positions
in Europe that provide solid foundations to build further
success. By continuing to focus on our four strategic initiatives
- portfolio management, work process improvement, growth,
and change - we'll ensure that we consistently generate
double-digit earnings growth, improve our return on capital
and better meet our customers' needs.
"We will also continue to leverage our unique position
as the world's only combined gases and chemicals company,
which delivers real advantage for us in several important
sectors."
Bernard Guerini joined Air Products in 1975, holding several
senior positions in the company's European operation, including
president and general manager of Air Products in Italy and
France; vice president and general manager of Carburos Metalicos,
the company's Spanish subsidiary; and most recently vice
president Southern Europe. Succeeding Mr. Guerini as vice
president North America Gases will be John M. (Mike) McNallen,
currently vice president -sales, North America Gases.
Ron Sullam, following his retirement, will continue as
chairman of the board of Carburos Metalicos and retain board
memberships of Air Products' joint ventures in Italy and
India.
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (www.airproducts.com)
is the world's only combined gases and chemicals company.
Founded more than 60 years ago, the business has annual
revenues of $5.7 billion and operations in 30 countries.
Air Products is a market leader in the global electronics
and chemical processing industries, and a longstanding innovator
in many industrial markets, including coatings, adhesives
and polyurethanes. The company distinguishes itself through
its 18,000 employees around the world, who build lasting
relationships with their customers and communities based
on understanding, integrity and passion.
***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking
statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to
changes in current expectations.
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