Platinum Perspective – John Walsh, President and CEO of UGI

John Walsh, President & CEO, UGI Corp and Platinum Sponsor of the Forum gives an insight into the US LPG industry and his hopes for Miami 2014.

Forum Voice:  John, thank you for taking the time to talk to Forum Voice. Could you tell us what attracted you to becoming a platinum sponsor of this major event?

John Walsh:  How many opportunities does any industry have to meet and learn from global peers on an annual basis? The World LP Gas Forum gives our industry the opportunity to hear presentations from the global LPG industry, government and NGO leaders, visit the exhibition booths and see the cutting edge equipment and services offered by our valued vendors, and of course network with our industry colleagues from across the world. As a company that operates in 18 countries on three continents, we see active participation in this event as a key contributor to the growth of our business.

FV: What are your thoughts on the key opportunities for LP Gas in the USA?

JW: It has been quite exciting to be involved in the US LPG market over the past several years! The many new sources of domestically produced LPG have enhanced the focus on the industry in the US related to both domestic usage and exports. We are seeing a renewed interest in Autogas - with school buses, police cruisers and other fleets converting. We’re also pleased to see the home building sector gaining momentum as the economic recovery in the US continues to take hold. The home building sector has been a source for significant growth over the past 30-40 years in the US and LPG is their preferred off-grid fuel source.

FV: Why should delegates attend the Forum?

JW: Networking with international peers, meeting with and learning from our valued vendors, and learning from the high quality selection of speakers.

FV:  What are you most looking forward to in Miami?

JW: There are many reasons why I am excited to attend the WLPGA forum in Miami this year. I am particularly interested in hearing from the representatives from Carbon Clear. Their organisation allows UGI International to participate in the promising WLPGA initiative, Cooking For Life, by buying carbon offset credits from a biomass to LPG cooking project in Sudan. The UGI International customer benefits from buying a carbon free LPG, while the Sudanese customer benefits from cooking on clean, portable LPG. I look forward to seeing all my colleagues in Miami!