Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced the appointment of Naji Skaf as vice president and managing director of its Industrial Gases business in the Middle East, Egypt and Turkey. In this new role, Skaf will be responsible for managing and growing Air Products' industrial gases operations and strategic partnerships in the region.
Richard Boocock, Air Products' president, Industrial Gases—Middle East, India, Egypt and Turkey, said, "Naji brings extensive experience in the gases industry, deep understanding of regional needs and requirements, and a passion for taking industrial gas projects to another level. I am honored to have him on my leadership team and look forward to having even more opportunities to provide superior technology, process safety, energy efficiency, reliability and operational excellence for our regional customers."
Skaf joins Air Products from Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., where he was a partner in their Middle East and North Africa Practice and a member of their global Industrial Practice. Previously, Skaf served as chief executive officer of Gulf Cryo, a regional industrial gases group headquartered in Dubai, and led technologies and services for Air Liquide's Industry and Health business, holding various positions in Houston, Paris and Cairo.
Skaf holds a BSc from McGill University in Montreal, Canada and an MBA from the University of Houston.
About Air Products in the Middle East
Air Products has had a presence in the Middle East for more than 50 years through a combination of wholly-owned businesses and joint venture partnerships and continues to grow. Earlier this month, Air Products announced an agreement with Dhahran Techno Valley Company to build and develop a world-class technology center to serve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East region. In May 2017, Air Products signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in the industrial gases business of Muscat Gases Company, a leading industrial gases and liquid petroleum gas company in Oman.
A provider of liquefied natural gas cryogenic technology to Oman and the rest of the Gulf Co-operation Council, Air Products has built, owned, and operated several air separation units and hydrogen production plants throughout the Middle East region. It operates a helium and cylinder gas filling and distribution facility, as well as a specialty gases center in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, UAE. The company's strategic joint venture partnerships include: Abdullah Hashim, Saudi Arabia; Ajwaa Gases, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Ajwaa Gases, Sohar, Oman; and Jazan Gas Projects Company, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading Industrial Gases company in operation for over 75 years. The Company's core industrial gases business provides atmospheric and process gases and related equipment to manufacturing markets, including refining and petrochemical, metals, electronics, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the world's leading supplier of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment.
The Company had fiscal 2016 sales of $7.5 billion from continuing operations in 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of approximately $30 billion. Approximately 16,000 employees are making Air Products the world's safest and best performing industrial gases company, providing sustainable offerings and excellent service to all customers. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.
