Airgas Names Jay Worley Vice President - Strategic Pricing
RADNOR, PA - January 18, 2012 - Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that R. Jay Worley has been named Vice President - Strategic Pricing, reporting to Andy Cichocki, Airgas Senior Vice President - Distribution Operations & Business Process Improvement. Worley brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to a new role in which he will be leading a Strategic Pricing organization responsible for developing and implementing pricing practices that are consistent with the Company's overall strategic direction and profitability goals.
"This is a key new role at Airgas, requiring strong leadership qualities and a thorough understanding of our business so we can maximize the potential opportunity afforded by our SAP implementation," said Cichocki. "Jay possesses the strategic vision to lead the full pricing process from reviewing and planning to optimization, management, negotiation, and execution. His ability to work effectively with our front line associates and senior management will prove valuable in the successful implementation of pricing tools and analytics, and in working collaboratively across all facets of our organization."
Worley, who has served as Vice President - Communications and Investor Relations for Airgas, Inc. since 2008, began his career at Airgas in 1993 as Assistant Controller with what is now Airgas Intermountain. Following a variety of roles early in his career, including sales and human resources, he held positions as Chief Financial Officer of Airgas Southwest and Director of Investor Relations of Airgas, Inc. Worley has a BS degree in Accounting and an MBA from The University of Utah.
J. Barrett Strzelec, Director of Investor Relations for Airgas, Inc., will assume leadership of the Investor Relations function, reporting to Airgas Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bob McLaughlin.
"Barry has been a key point of contact at Airgas for the investment community, keeping our shareholders apprised of our business strategies and communicating our value proposition," said McLaughlin. "His success in maintaining fundamental shareholder relationships and forging new ones, and his experience in developing external communications, make him well-suited to lead our investor relations efforts going forward."
Airgas is currently evaluating communications leadership candidates.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 14,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes 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.
