Benoît Potier

After joining Air Liquide in 1981 as a Research and Development engineer, I have been leading the Group since 2001, first as Chairman of the Management Board and then as Chairman & CEO since 2006. In between, I held a number of different positions, both operational and strategic: I was a Project Manager in the Engineering Division; Vice-President energy development, Director of Strategy & Organization; Director Large Industries Markets. In addition, I spearheaded the creation of the Air Liquide Foundation (which supports research projects in the areas of the environment and health, and contributes to local development). Outside of my work for Air Liquide I am personally committed to improving industrial competitiveness, growth and employment in Europe, through my engagement in the ERT (European Roundtable of Industrialists) as Chairman until May 2018 an now as member. I also serve on the Danone Board of Directors. I have been passionate about relativity theory since I was a child and earned my degrees from Centrale Supelec (Ecole Centrale Paris) and Executive Education from INSEAD.