Classic Replay: Innovating For a Sustainable Future with Michael Graff - Ep 190

The Chemical Show: Interviews with Business Leaders on Key Trends and Topics

Episode 190 Shownotes

In this The Chemical Show Classic, we highlight a previous interview with Michael Graff who recently retired from his position as Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Air Liquide Group. Mike was particularly passionate about the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution and actively advocated for its adoption. As an officer of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Mike was recently recognized for his contributions in significantly to shaping the future of the chemical industry. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

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The chemical industry plays a crucial role in modern society. The ability to leverage innovation, the ability to meet a customer's needs, the ability to go ahead and leverage at a global scale, and the capabilities to meet the world's needs are all very prominent today and vital to industrial gases and chemicals.

In this podcast episode, Victoria Meyer speaks with Michael Graff, Chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings and EVP of the Air Liquide Group. Michael shares leadership, learnings and insights from more than 30 years in the energy, chemicals, and gas industries.

Topics discussed this week:

• Mike’s origin story and how it has influenced his life and career
• 6 key themes in the evolution of the chemical industry in the past 30 years
• The importance of Innovation
• The role of Hydrogen in sustainability and Net Zero
• Leveraging partnerships and coalitions for a common goal
• Meeting the consumers’ needs around the world
• The continued importance of engineering education

Killer Quote: "In the end, the energy transition itself will not occur only because of hydrogen. But the energy transition will not happen without hydrogen." - Michael Graff
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