Air Products Gains Expertise with Former Dow President Jim Fitterling Joining Board

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  Business and Finance on Thu, Aug 21st, 2025 by WFMZ-TV

Air Products and Chemicals Inc., a global leader in industrial gases, has announced a significant addition to its board of directors: James V. “Jim” Fitterling, former Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company. This move signals the company’s continued focus on strategic growth and innovation within the evolving energy landscape.

Fitterling brings with him over 40 years of experience in the chemical industry, a period marked by significant transformation and technological advancement. Prior to his tenure at Dow, where he led the company from 2019 until June 2023, Fitterling held various leadership roles within Dow, including Chief Operating Officer and President of Dow's Performance Materials & Coatings business. His career has been characterized by a focus on operational excellence, sustainability initiatives, and driving profitable growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

"Jim’s extensive experience in the chemical industry, particularly his deep understanding of materials science, manufacturing operations, and global markets, will be invaluable to Air Products as we continue to execute our strategy," stated Air Products Chairman John J. Engels in a press release announcing Fitterling's appointment. "His insights on sustainability, digitalization, and innovation align perfectly with our commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders."

The timing of this addition is particularly noteworthy given Air Products’ ambitious plans for hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies. The company is aggressively pursuing opportunities in the burgeoning clean energy sector, aiming to leverage its expertise in gas separation and processing to contribute to a lower-carbon future. Fitterling's background at Dow, which has also been actively investing in sustainable solutions, positions him well to advise Air Products on navigating these complex challenges and capitalizing on emerging market trends.

Dow’s own sustainability efforts, under Fitterling’s leadership, included significant investments in circular economy initiatives and renewable energy sources. He championed the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and developing more sustainable products. This experience will undoubtedly be beneficial for Air Products as it expands its hydrogen infrastructure and explores opportunities to decarbonize various industries.

Air Products is currently undertaking several large-scale projects, including the Net Zero Teesside project in the UK, a pioneering effort to build a blue hydrogen production facility powered by natural gas with carbon capture technology. The company also has significant investments planned for green hydrogen production utilizing renewable energy sources. These initiatives require not only technological expertise but also strategic foresight and an understanding of regulatory landscapes – areas where Fitterling’s experience is expected to prove invaluable.

Furthermore, Fitterling's familiarity with the complexities of global supply chains and geopolitical dynamics will be crucial as Air Products expands its operations internationally. The company operates in numerous countries and faces a constantly evolving set of challenges related to trade policies, energy security, and environmental regulations. His insights into these areas can help guide Air Products’ strategic decision-making and mitigate potential risks.

The appointment also reflects a broader trend within the industrial gas sector – a recognition that expertise beyond traditional chemical engineering is increasingly vital for success. The transition towards cleaner energy sources requires a diverse skillset encompassing not only technical proficiency but also business acumen, sustainability leadership, and an understanding of evolving regulatory frameworks.

While Fitterling’s departure from Dow was announced earlier this year, citing his desire to pursue other opportunities, his decision to join the Air Products board demonstrates his continued commitment to the chemical industry and his belief in the potential for innovation within the sector. His presence on the Air Products board is expected to provide valuable guidance as the company navigates a period of significant growth and transformation, solidifying its position as a leader in the industrial gas and clean energy markets. The addition underscores Air Products’ proactive approach to securing the expertise needed to achieve its ambitious goals for a sustainable future. The full press release regarding Jim Fitterling's appointment can be found on Air Products' investor relations website: https://investors.airproducts.com/news-releases/news-release-details/air-products-appoints-james-v-fitterling-board-directors