Leadership Changes in Air Products' Electronics Business
New Vice President and General Manager to be Based in Asia
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (September 8, 2006) - Air Products' (NYSE:APD) Electronics business has recently announced a number of leadership changes, as well as a strategic decision to locate its leadership in Asia, the fastest growing region for the electronics industry. As part of its emphasis on Asia, Air Products' Electronics business is also boosting its research and development (R&D) presence in Asia with expanded R&D centers in Taiwan and Korea.
Michael F. Hilton, currently vice president, Electronics, has been appointed vice president and general manager, Electronics and Performance Materials, and will lead the combined organizations from the company's Allentown headquarters.
Corning F. Painter has been appointed vice president and general manager, Global Electronics Division, effective October 1. He will replace Gerald G. Ermentrout who is retiring after 31 years with Air Products. Painter, currently regional vice president, Asia Electronics, will head the division from Taiwan.
"Asia is our largest and fastest growing region for electronics, and it makes sense for the business leader to be situated there," said Hilton. "This move is consistent with Air Products' pledge to be more focused on higher growth and represents our commitment to Asia."
With this appointment, Air Products' global leaders of Electronic Specialty Materials, Fab Business Development, and the division as a whole will all be based in Asia. "It is important to be close to our customers, who should see an increase in the speed of our decision making as a result," said Painter.
Ermentrout, who will retire in January, spent the last 15 years in Electronics contributing to the business' development into an important growth platform for Air Products. Ermentrout was named general manager, Electronics in 1992 and elevated to vice president and general manager in 1996.
Biographies and downloadable photos are available at airproducts.com/pressroom/biographies/executivebiographies.htm
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com
Media Inquiries:
(Asia)
Jessica Cheng,
Tel: (852) 2863-058,
E-mail: chengjs@airproducts.com
(U.S.)
Robert Brown,
Tel: (610) 481-1192,
E-mail: brownrf@airproducts.com
Investor Inquiries:
Phil Sproger,
Tel: (610) 481-7461,
E-mail: sprogepc@airproducts.com
