Air Products (NYSE: APD), Lehigh Valley, PA, announced that Seifi Ghasemi has been named its new president and CEO, effective July 1. Ghasemi succeeds John McGlade, who will continue to serve in his current role through June 30 and then retire.

Ghasemi, who was appointed to the board of Air Products in September 2013, has served as chairman and CEO of Rockwood Holdings, an inorganic specialty chemicals and advanced materials company. Prior to joining Rockwood, he held a number of leadership positions at global industrial companies, including chairman and CEO of GKN Sinter Metals Inc., and in a variety of senior roles with The BOC Group, which is now part of Linde AG.

“Seifi is a highly respected and dynamic leader with a strong track record of delivering superior shareholder returns and financial performance," said Evert Henkes, presiding director of the Air Products board. "Air Products has benefited greatly from his insights and guidance on the board and we are pleased that his significant skills will continue to benefit Air Products’ employees, shareholders, customers and communities as he works to accelerate the momentum in our business.”