Michael Graff chose to study engineering because it drew on his interests in math, chemistry and physics and allowed him to work with new and innovative technology. For him, it presented limitless opportunity in a changing world—a way to be a part of making it a better place. After getting his master's degree in chemical engineering at Purdue, Graff embarked on a long career that has led him to positions as president or CEO of chemical and polymer businesses across the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

He joined Air Liquide in 2007 and today serves as the chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., executive vice president of the Air Liquide Group, and chairman of the board of Airgas. Based out of Houston, Texas, Graff leads the business operations for the Americas, the largest region of the Air Liquide Group, and is global chairman of the Group’s electronics business line while supervising the Group’s engineering and construction activities.

In addition to his work with Air Liquide, Graff serves on the board of directors of Westlake Chemical, as well as on a number of industry and civic boards. He became the American Chemistry Council’s newest board officer in January 2023. Graff is also a principal of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Energy Innovation Council, and a member of the National Petroleum Council and the United States Investment Advisory Council, chairing the Committee on Competitiveness for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

He was the recipient of the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering’s Outstanding Chemical Engineer award in 2002 and Purdue Engineering’s Distinguished Engineering Alumni award in 2008.