• WPC 2024
  • March 18-22, 2024

Seifi Ghasemi

Air Products

Chairman, President and CEO

Seifi Ghasemi became chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Products in July 2014. In this role, he is focused on setting the strategy and policies of the company, developing leadership, and meeting shareholder commitments.

Mr. Ghasemi is a member of The Business Council, an association of the chief executive officers of the world’s most important business enterprises. In 2019, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the US-China Business Council. Mr. Ghasemi also was the recipient of the 2017 biennial International Palladium Medal from the Société de Chimie Industrielle for his distinguished contributions to the chemical industry.

Prior to joining Air Products, from 2001-2014, Mr. Ghasemi served as chairman and chief executive officer of Rockwood Holdings, a global leader in lithium and advanced materials. From 1997-2001, he held leadership roles at GKN, a global industrial company, including positions as director of the Main Board of GKN, plc, and chairman and chief executive officer of GKN Sinter Metals, Inc. and Hoeganes Corporation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ghasemi spent nearly 20 years with The BOC Group in positions including director of the Main Board of BOC Group, plc; president of BOC Gases Americas; and chairman and chief executive officer of BOC Process Plants, Ltd. and Cryostar.

Mr. Ghasemi earned his undergraduate degree from Abadan Institute of Technology and holds an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He also was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Lafayette College in 2017 and an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2018.

Sessions With Seifi Ghasemi

Wednesday, 20 March

  • 11:50am - 12:25pm (CST) / 20/mar/2024 04:50 pm - 20/mar/2024 05:25 pm

    Industry Leaders Fireside chat: Investment strategies in Asia Pacific in the Climate Change Era

    Industry Leaders Fireside chat: Investment strategies in Asia Pacific in the Climate Change Era

    Companies in the energy, refining, and chemicals sectors are reassessing their business models due to the global push for energy and materials transition. One impact on their operating plans is the need for significant capital investments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon emissions. Operating companies are challenged with sourcing and balancing the capital requirements necessary to meet the demands of today's growing fuels and chemicals markets, most of which still rely on hydrocarbon sources. Simultaneously, these companies are exploring large-scale pathways in clean energy sources and non-hydrocarbon feedstocks, amidst an uncertain business environment regarding both demand growth and profitability. The energy transition represents a clear opportunity for the chemical industry that provides the essential materials needed to meet sustainability and climate change goals.  Numerous questions remain unanswered, hindering companies' ability to move forward with certainty. Nevertheless, many are forging ahead with strategies and initial investment plans based on current knowledge.

    Moderator: Mark Eramo,Global Head of Fuels, Chemicals & Resource Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights

    Panelists:

    • Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President and CEO, Air Products
    • Jean Marc Gilson, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation