Nicolas Poirot

Nicolas started his journey with Air Liquide as on-site operations manager in Southern Africa in 1995.

He then spent 10 years in Southeast Asia between 2002 and 2012, holding positions from Sales & Marketing Director in Indonesia to Southeast Asia regional role (based in Singapore) and country Manager of Vietnam, after working in Engineering from 1999 to 2002.

From 2012 to 2016, he served as the Group VP of Strategic & Operations Control & Executive Committee Secretary.

Based in Paris, from March 2016 to 2019, Nicolas served as President of Air Liquide South West Europe, overseeing France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

From August 2019, he was the President & CEO of Air Liquide greater China from August 2019, based in Shanghai.

Nicolas Poirot is currently CEO of Air Liquide Africa Middle East & India as of September, 2023.

Nicolas holds a MSc Chem Engineering degree from Ecole des Mines de Paris, and took advanced Management Programmes in London Business School and Singapore Nanyang Technological University.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

10:45

Hydrogen Conference Room A 10:45 - 11:25

The emerging role of Gulf nations in the global hydrogen economy

With abundant renewable resources, active carbon capture capabilities and significant natural gas reserves, Gulf states are ideally placed to develop giga-scale hydrogen projects. A stable investment environment and advanced energy infrastructure further support both a sizeable domestic market and export ambitions, particularly given the favourable geography for exporting to major consumption centres like Europe and Asia, meaning Gulf nations are primed and ready to produce cost-effective green and blue hydrogen. As legacy oil majors pivot to low-carbon fuels, the region’s unique advantages – which include hydrocarbon expertise, a strategic location and supportive policies – have the potential to solidify the Gulf’s position as a global hydrogen hub.

Attendee insights:

Hear from experts on how the Gulf’s distinctive infrastructure, policy environment and technical expertise can drive hydrogen market growth, fuelling international collaboration and sustainable development.