Airgas Announces West Division and Intermountain Region Leadership Changes
RADNOR, PAÂ – Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that Douglas L. Jones has been named Airgas Division President - West Division, replacing Max D. Hooper who has resigned after 17 years of dedicated service to Airgas and its West Division. Effective immediately, Jones reports to Michael Molinini, Airgas President and CEO, and is responsible for managing the West Division's three regions - Nor Pac, NCN, and West - which encompass California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and north western Idaho.
"Max Hooper has had a very successful career at Airgas, beginning in 1996 when he joined as President of our Airgas West regional company," Molinini said. "He served as our Division President for the West Division since 2005 and we all wish him the very best for success in the next chapter of his career."
Jones most recently served as President - Intermountain Region. The Intermountain region includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, as well as the western areas of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, and the majority of Idaho.
"Doug has been with Airgas for more than 24 years," Molinini continued. "In fact, he has spent his entire career in the packaged gas industry, starting as a medical gas driver while still in college at the University of Utah. Doug's management of the Intermountain region has led to the significant success the region has experienced over the past several years. We look forward to his continued success as President of our Western Division."
Jones joined Airgas in 1989 with the acquisition of Utah Welders Supply and went on to manage medical and industrial gas sales before becoming Airgas Intermountain's Director of Marketing in 1998. He became the region's Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2001 and then President of Intermountain in 2006. Jones is a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in marketing and business.
Mike Eatmon replaces Jones as President - Intermountain Region. Eatmon is a 14-year Airgas veteran and most recently served as an Area Vice President for the Intermountain region. Eatmon was recognized last year with the Airgas Area Vice President of the Year Award for the Airgas Central Division for leading his area in outperforming sales, earnings, and safety goals. Eatmon began his career in the industrial gas industry in 1994 when he joined Scott Specialty Gases as the Western Regional Sales Manager. He joined Airgas Mid South in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1999 and worked in a variety of sales and management positions. In 2003, Eatmon became Vice President of Sales with Airgas Southwest in Houston, Texas, managing all sales activity for the business unit and helping integrate the acquisitions of BOC, Aeriform, and Union Gas during his tenure. He became Area Vice President for Airgas Intermountain in 2007, managing all sales and branch operations in Colorado. Eatmon is a graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in business management.
"Mike is very qualified to take the reins and continue to guide the Intermountain region," said Terry Lodge, Airgas Division President - Central Division. "He has solid industry experience, an excellent track record in meeting and exceeding goals, and proven leadership skills managing his area within the Intermountain region."
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
Media Contact:
Doug Sherman (610) 902-6270
doug.sherman@airgas.com
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
Airgas, Inc.
259 North Radnor-Chester Road Suite 100,
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
