DANBURY, Conn. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX) has named Omar A. Vargas, director of Government Relations. He is responsible for developing and implementing Praxair's global political and public policy positioning and engagement strategy. He will also continue to develop Praxair's relationships with policymakers and other authorities.

"We are delighted to have Omar on board," said Praxair Associate General Counsel Mark Nielsen. "Omar has a strong background in global policy and government affairs, particularly in Latin America, and has an extensive network in Washington, D.C., which will help us strengthen our relationships with policymakers."

Vargas joined Praxair from PepsiCo, Inc. where he served as senior director, Global Policy & Government Affairs. His experience includes working with the United States Department of Justice and Cooper & Kirk, PLLC. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from Seton Hall University and graduate and law degrees from The American University.

Praxair, Inc. is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2010 sales of $10 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies are making the planet more productive by bringing efficiency and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.

CONTACT:

Praxair
Media
Jacqueline Hunt, 203-837-2663
jacqueline_hunt@praxair.com
or
Investors
Kelcey Hoyt, 203-837-2118
kelcey_hoyt@praxair.com