8-KLeadership ChangesCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (May 18, 2007)

Filed May 18, 2007For Securities:APD

Summary

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD) filed an 8-K on May 18, 2007, to report significant leadership changes. Effective October 1, 2007, current CEO John P. Jones III will retire from his CEO role but will remain as Chairman of the Board until March 31, 2008, facilitating a smooth transition. Succeeding Mr. Jones as CEO will be John E. McGlade, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, who also has been elected to the Board of Directors. Additionally, the company's Board of Directors adopted amendments to its bylaws to formally allow for the separation of the Chairman of the Board and CEO positions. These changes are primarily administrative and organizational, aimed at ensuring a structured leadership transition and maintaining governance flexibility. Investors should note the planned succession and the confirmation of a robust transition plan.

Key Highlights

  • 1John P. Jones III to retire as CEO effective October 1, 2007.
  • 2John P. Jones III to remain as Chairman of the Board through March 31, 2008, for transition purposes.
  • 3John E. McGlade, currently President and COO, elected as the new CEO effective October 1, 2007.
  • 4John E. McGlade appointed to the Board of Directors.
  • 5By-laws amended to clarify that separate individuals can hold the Chairman and CEO roles.
  • 6The filing is primarily focused on executive leadership changes and related governance adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key leadership changes involve the retirement of CEO John P. Jones III effective October 1, 2007, with John E. McGlade, currently President and COO, set to succeed him as CEO on the same date. Mr. Jones will remain as Chairman for a transition period.

Yes, John P. Jones III will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a transition period, concluding on March 31, 2008.

The by-laws were amended to explicitly permit the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer to be held by separate individuals. This formalizes the current situation and provides governance flexibility for future leadership structures.

John E. McGlade has a long tenure with Air Products, having joined in 1976. He has held various leadership positions within the company's Gases and Chemicals businesses, including general manager and vice president roles, before becoming President and Chief Operating Officer.