Radical investors apply pressure! Air Products announces nomination of two independent directors

Under sustained pressure from activist investors, Air Products has finally begun restructuring its board of directors, announcing the nomination of two new independent directors. According to a press release posted on Air Products’ official website and cited by the Gas Expo, on Monday (November 18), Air Products nominated Bob Patel and Alfred Stern for election to its Board of Directors at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Both executives bring extensive experience leading large, publicly traded industrial companies. Air Products stated that the two independent director candidates will contribute rich experience in leadership and oversight of public companies, as well as deep expertise in operating complex global businesses within the chemicals and energy sectors. Bob Patel previously served as CEO of W.R. Grace and LyondellBasell, and as former Chairman of Standard Industries. He brings 35 years of global experience in the chemical and materials industries, along with extensive experience serving on public company boards and leading large-scale global corporate transformations. Alfred Stern is CEO and Executive Board Chairman of OMV Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of OMV Petrom, and former CEO of Borealis. He possesses 29 years of experience leading global energy and chemical companies through transformation and international projects. Meanwhile, Air Products also announced that current directors David H.Y. Ho and Matthew H. Paul will not stand for re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Following these changes, the Board will continue to comprise nine directors, six of whom were appointed within the past five years. Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President, and CEO of Air Products, said: “We are pleased to nominate Bob and Alfred to the Air Products Board and welcome their substantial business experience and seasoned leadership.” He also expressed appreciation for the service and contributions of David and Matthew. Air Products faces mounting pressure from activist investors Air Products is facing increasing pressure from hedge fund managers Mantle Ridge and D.E. Shaw, who have criticized the company’s underperforming stock, senior leadership, and capital allocation policies—and urged board restructuring, enhanced management vitality, and refocusing on core operations. In October, activist investors Mantle Ridge and globally renowned hedge fund D.E. Shaw separately announced they had collectively acquired $1 billion worth of Air Products shares, calling for cost-cutting, refocusing on core businesses, and paving the way for new leadership. A shared objective of both activist investors is to compel Air Products to establish a clear succession plan for its 80-year-old incumbent CEO, Seifi Ghasemi—one of the oldest CEOs among S&P 500 constituent companies. Earlier, Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that Dennis Reilley and Eduardo Menezes—both former senior executives of Linde—would join Mantle Ridge’s campaign to restructure Air Products’ management and board.

Frequently Asked Questions on Preparing and Filing Forms by Hong Kong Companies (Part I)

Documents routinely submitted by Hong Kong companies to the Companies Registry include the standard incorporation form NNC1 and the annual return form NAR1. However, changes relating to shareholders, directors, share capital, company name, company secretary, or charges also require submission of relevant documents to the Hong Kong Companies Registry. In total, nearly one hundred different types of forms exist, each subject to strict requirements regarding who may file them, filing deadlines, and content specifications. Errors in completion may result in fines; do not assume this is merely a simple paperwork exercise—oversights could adversely affect future compliance reviews during an IPO. Details: 1. Where can I obtain the prescribed forms specified by the Registrar of Companies? You may download the required prescribed forms free of charge from the ‘Forms’ → ‘Prescribed Forms’ section of this website. Alternatively, printed copies may be purchased at the Companies Registry Enquiry Counter on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. 2. Who may sign prescribed forms? Each prescribed form specifies who is authorized to sign it. Most forms submitted to the Registry for registration may be signed by a company director or the company secretary. For non-Hong Kong companies registering in Hong Kong, certain forms may also be signed by an authorized representative. 3. May a resigning senior officer sign prescribed forms? Prescribed forms must be signed by a current senior officer of the company. If prescribed forms requiring submission to the Registrar of Companies remain unfiled, a currently serving senior officer may sign them. A resigning senior officer may sign Form ND2A to report their resignation—but the signing date must not be later than the effective date of resignation. 4. If some pages of a prescribed form remain blank, may those unused pages be removed before submission? Prescribed forms issued by the Companies Registry must not be altered or modified. Please submit the complete prescribed form—including all pages containing inapplicable items—and clearly indicate the company’s registration number on each page. In the first data-entry field on each such page, enter either ‘Nil’ or ‘Not Applicable’.

Air Products and Chemicals Inc Director Andrew W. Evans Files Form 4

Oct 23, 2026

Air Products and Chemicals Inc director Andrew W. Evans filed a Form 4 disclosure for transactions ending September 30th. The filing reports insider trading activities within the industrial gases company.

Investing.com UK

2026-04-09

UBS Adjusts Price Target on Air Products and Chemicals to $307 From $285, Maintains Neutral Rating

2026-04-09

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD) Given New $307.00 Price Target at UBS Group

2026-04-11

Air Products Tops Turnover Chart as $260 Million Surge Signals Deep Institutional Faith in Hydrogen Future

2026-04-12

Greenup Street Wealth Management Reduces Air Products and Chemicals Holdings

2026-04-13

BMO Capital Adjusts PT on Air Products and Chemicals to $325 From $282, Keeps Market Perform Rating