2022 CME STEM Leadership Award Honoree for Lifetime Achievement

A passionate STEM advocate, Seifi Ghasemi is one of the most prolific wealth creators of this century, having added $50 billion to Air Products’ market value over the last decade, transforming it into the most valuable U.S.-based chemical company. He has been a steadfast champion of countless STEM programs, including the captivating CME NASA Symposium and Sustainability Summit, the ACS Global Outstanding Student and Mentor Awards in Polymer Science and Engineering, K-12 STEM Festivals, and CME STEM Talks.

As the world undergoes a massive energy transition, the visionary leadership of Seifi Ghasemi, Air Products’ Chairman, President and CEO, has been breathtaking, building a world-leading industrial gases company with a first-mover position in clean hydrogen megaprojects to decarbonize heavy transportation and industrial sectors. His commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, winning team and supporting programs for diverse STEM talent has further translated into outstanding market value growth. He deeply believes the only sustainable competitive advantage a company has is the dedication and commitment of people who thrive in a culture where contributions are valued and who serve a higher purpose of making our world a better place. Mr. Ghasemi is a member of the Business Council and is on the Board of Directors of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and the US-China Business Council. He previously held leadership roles at Rockwood Holdings, GKN, and The BOC Group.

From the Air Products website (04/23): 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 2020, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. 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.