Air Products Strengthens Leadership with New Group Presidents Appointment

Air Products Announces New Group President Appointments

Air Products, a leading global industrial gases company, has recently made significant strides in its leadership structure. Effective November 1, 2026, the organization welcomed Kurt Lefevere and Francesco Maione as Group Presidents. Both executives will report to Eduardo Menezes, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Products, and they are expected to play crucial roles in enhancing the company's operations and customer relationships across various regions.

Appointments and Responsibilities

Kurt Lefevere, who is currently serving as the President of Air Products Asia, takes on the role of Group President, Americas. This position grants him oversight of Air Products' atmospheric gases in North America and South America, overseeing sectors such as HyCO projects and specific equipment businesses including Membrane Solutions and Gardner Cryogenics. Lefevere has a wealth of experience and is poised to lead efforts in expanding the company’s influence within the Americas.

In parallel, Francesco Maione, previously the President of Americas, Helium and Rare Gases, steps into the role of Group President, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) and Asia. He will manage the company’s gas operations across vast regions, including key markets such as India and the Middle East, and oversee global air separation unit projects and standard plant solutions.

Strategic Vision

Eduardo Menezes expressed confidence in both Lefevere and Maione, highlighting their extensive industry knowledge and global outlook as vital to nurturing the company’s growth in industrial gases. The new leadership structure is designed to streamline accountability and execution across Air Products’ diverse business segments and customer engagements. This shift is expected to enhance performance while fostering opportunities for organizational growth.

About Air Products

Founded over 85 years ago, Air Products (NYSE: APD) stands as a pioneer in the industrial gases sector, dedicated to providing innovative solutions tailored to a variety of industries including refining, metals, and healthcare. The company prides itself on its longstanding commitment to developing a cleaner, sustainable future through the supply of essential industrial gases and sustainable project development. As a global leader in hydrogen supply, Air Products is at the forefront of constructing some of the largest hydrogen projects worldwide, underscoring its dedication to environmental stewardship and high-value service delivery.

With reported fiscal 2025 sales reaching $12 billion and operations spanning approximately 50 countries, Air Products continues to be a formidable player in the industrial landscape worldwide. For more insights and updates, interested parties can visit their official website at airproducts.com or follow their social media channels.

Conclusion

The recent appointments signal a strategic evolution within Air Products, indicating a robust plan for maintaining a competitive edge in the industrial gases market. As both Kurt Lefevere and Francesco Maione embark on their new roles, the company is expected to leverage their leadership strengths to capitalize on growth opportunities while ensuring enhanced connectivity between its projects and customer interactions.