Robert S.

Giannini
Middlebury, CT 06762
203-233-5894; Bob.Giannini7@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/pub/robert-giannini/27/644/351/

Operations, Safety, and Compliance Leader

Dynamic operations, EHS, and business executive seeking a senior operations leadership position that utilizes my
expertise in operations, engineering, safety and compliance, and labor relations. I am a versatile, experienced leader who
is known for connecting with associates at all levels of an organization to foster teamwork and inspire professional
growth and development of subordinates and for driving improved and sustained results in operating efficiency, safety
performance, regulatory compliance, quality, and labor relations.

As an operations leader, oversaw the safe, compliant, and profitable integration of nine acquired companies
comprising 80 operating locations assimilating 800+ associates supporting $200M+ in additional sales
contributing to a business that doubled its EBITDA.
As a safety and compliance leader, developed and implemented training, management, and auditing programs
to meet and exceed compliance standards of regulatory agencies including DOT, FDA, EPA, OSHA, and DHS.
As a risk management leader, led development and implementation of best practices in risk/loss prevention to
dramatically reduce Workers Comp and general liability insurance costs.
As a labor relations professional, managed all aspects of union activities at 14 Teamsters-represented locations
including lead negotiator on initial and successor CBAs, labor unrest contingency planning, and union-avoidance
training for supervisors. Managed successful Vote No! campaigns; withdrawal from under-funded union
pension obligations, orderly closure of four represented facilities, labor agreement decertification.

Professional Experience
Airgas, Inc.; Waterford, CT

2001 2014

Vice President of Safety and Compliance

2006 - 2014
Directed all aspects of employee safety and regulatory agency compliance for Airgas East and Northeast USA regional
operating companies. Managed seven field safety and compliance managers and oversaw all safety and compliance
training, communication, and auditing programs for over 125 operating locations and over 1,200 safety-sensitive
operating associates.

Designed and managed programs to enable and ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies including: DOT,
FDA, EPA, and OSHA. Solely responsible for implementing and managing US DHS CFATS compliance program
achieving authorization for 22 regulated facilities.
Operations leader for integration of acquired businesses of six industrial gases distributors at 45 operating
locations, and over $140M in annual sales. Directed associate training and assimilation for all safety, compliance,
and operations programs to exceed targeted synergies, contributing to overall business that grew EBITDA over
20%.
As program leader and trainer, implemented DuPonts STOP for Supervision program, training 175+ managers,
supervisors and other leaders to increase observation skills and awareness, enhance supervisor-employee
interactions, and reduce injuries
Developed and implemented best practices for Workers Compensation and accident/injury case management to
reduce insurance costs over $400k annually and injury rates by 30%.
As Labor Relations Director, company leader for all negotiations on initial and renewal collective bargaining
agreements with 14 separate Teamsters local labor unions. Directed two union decertifications, accomplished
withdrawal from three union defined-pension obligations, led several successful anti-union Vote No!
campaigns and union awareness and avoidance training.

Vice President of Operations

2001 2005
Managed all plant operations, distribution, and acquired business integration activities for Airgas Eastern Region
industrial gases business that tripled in sales ($300M) and volume through acquisitions and organic growth while
increasing EBITDA by 30%.

Robert S. Giannini
Middlebury, CT 06762
203-233-5894; Bob.Giannini7@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/pub/robert-giannini/27/644/351/

Leader for all production and distribution operations including integration of acquired businesses of major
industrial gases competitors (Air Products, BOC Gases, Linde Gases) at 35 operating locations comprising over
$130M in annual sales. Directed associate training, orientation, and assimilation for all safety and compliance
programs and managed multiple facility consolidations to exceed targeted synergies, enabling overall EBITDA
growth of 30%.
Managed initial implementation and on-going compliance with ISO 9001 process quality standards at 11 specialty
gases production and analytical laboratories.
Designed, implemented, and managed a best-practice comprehensive regulated products approval process to
assure safe and compliant supply of highly hazardous products to customers.
Planned and managed $10M annual capital projects budget.
Directed all labor relations activities at 10 represented locations including transition and combination of acquired
operations resulting in closure of three union-represented locations

Praxair, Inc.; Danbury, CT

1978 2001
Held a variety of management, operations, engineering, sales, and marketing positions with increasing levels of
responsibility throughout 23 years at Praxair (formerly Union Carbide Corp., Linde Div.).
Director of Production and Specialty Gases Operations PDI (Danbury, CT)
2000 2001
Implemented operations and efficiency improvements and best-practices throughout Praxair Distribution Inc.s (PDI)
North American packaged gases operations. Directed all operations, capital and R&D projects at dedicated specialty
gases plants and laboratories across North America. Operations leader in creation of $100M+ regional business joint
venture.
Facility Manager PDI (Bethlehem, PA)
1999 2000
Managed all aspects of operations at PDIs most complex specialty gases production, distribution, and laboratory facility
dramatically improving employee morale (80 associates), customer service and cost.
Specialty Gases Business Director PDI (Midwest Region)
1998 1999
Managed production, distribution, sales growth, and profitability improvement for PDIs specialty gases business
throughout Midwest USA and Canada.
Product Manager, Semiconductor Process Gases Praxair, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
1995 1998
Managed all aspects of a $30M global product line supporting semiconductor manufacturing including sourcing, supply
chain, pricing, sales growth, and launch of several new products
Territory Sales Representative - Electronics Gases (Eastern Region)
Technical Sales Engineer Electronics Gases (Eastern Region)
Project Manager Packaged Gases Operations (Somerset, NJ)
Production Superintendent - Specialty Gases Operations (Keasbey, NJ)
Project Engineer Specialty Gases Operations (Somerset, NJ)

Education
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ BS Chemical Engineering

Other Skills and Recognition

OSHA 30 Hour General Industry Training Program Certification

Presenter - American Soc. of Safety Engineers Safety 2013 Safe Handling of Compressed Gases & Cylinders
Certified Hazardous Materials Technician and Incident Commander (OSHA 1910.120(q)) - Airgas AERO Hazmat
Response Team
DuPont STOP for Supervision Program Leader and Trainer