Gulf Cryo, a leading provider of industrial gases and a pioneer in sustainable solutions across carbon management and hydrogen technologies, today announced the appointment of Ranjith Nair as its Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025.
The company also announced the appointment of Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji as Executive Director and Chairman of Gulf Cryo Bahrain, effective July 1, 2025. His addition to the Board comes at a time of strategic momentum and continued expansion for the Group.
Mike Huggon has played a pivotal role in shaping Gulf Cryo’s strategic direction since joining the company as CEO in 2016. He later transitioned into a Non-Executive Director role and continued to support the company’s growth at board level. His impact has been felt across the business, from instilling world-class governance and operational standards to helping guide the company’s regional growth.
“My career in the gas industry has given me the opportunity to work across over 30 countries worldwide. Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting many talented and committed individuals—many of whom became close personal friends.” said Huggon. “Our industry remains a unique one whose contribution to society is consistently underrated. My time at Gulf Cryo has seen the company continuously develop holding firmly its position as a major player across the Middle East operating to world-class international standards. I will continue to watch their progress with both interest and a sense of pride in their continuing achievements.”
Executive Chairman Amer Huneidi thanked Huggon for his enduring commitment to the company. “During his time as CEO and a Boad Member, Mike has made a significant contribution in both growing our business and helping to establish world-class systems and processes that the company will benefit from for many years to come. I would like to thank him for all his considerable efforts and wish him well in his retirement. We are equally delighted to welcome Mahmood to the Board, his deep experience in strategic governance, investment, and sustainable development is a tremendous asset as we continue our trajectory of success.”
Mahmood Al Kooheji brings decades of experience in engineering, investment, and board leadership. Formerly the CEO of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, he previously served as Chairman of Gulf Air and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), and was a board member of McLaren and other major organizations. His appointment to Gulf Cryo’s board reflects a continued commitment to disciplined growth and long-term value creation across the region.
Commenting on his appointment, Mahmood Al Kooheji said: “Gulf Cryo operates in a sector that is both essential and transformative. I am honored to join a company with such a clear sense of purpose, proven track record, and commitment to building a sustainable future. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of its growth.”
Following this transition, Gulf Cryo’s Board of Directors will be composed of five distinguished leaders. Amer Huneidi, Executive Chairman, has been with Gulf Cryo since 1987 and has led the company’s growth strategy, long-term vision, and international partnerships. Abdulsalam Al Mazro, Executive Vice Chairman, is a former Shell and SABIC executive. Omer Syed, Non-Executive Director, is the Chief Investment Officer of Mumtalakat and brings over two decades of experience in private equity and portfolio management. Nader Sultan, Independent Director, is the former Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Mahmood Al Kooheji, Executive Director, offers governance depth and regional strategic insight. With Mike Huggon’s departure, the Board continues to honor his legacy of excellence and innovation.