Praxair, Inc. (Danbury, Conn.; www.praxair.com) has named Kelcey E. Hoyt vice president and controller. She succeeds Elizabeth T. Hirsch who is retiring from the company after 18 years of service. Hirsch has served as Praxair’s vice president and controller for six years.
Hoyt, formerly director, investor relations, will be succeeded by Juan Pelaez. Pelaez has served as vice president of finance for Praxair Mexico since 2011. Both assignments are effective August 1, and will be reporting to Senior Vice President and CFO Matthew J. White.
“Kelcey and Juan each bring a wealth of financial expertise and global business acumen to their positions,” said White. “They will provide outstanding leadership to our finance and investor relations organizations.”
“Throughout her career at Praxair, Liz has demonstrated strategic leadership and an unwavering commitment to the company,” said White. “Her experience, knowledge and drive for results have been invaluable to our organization. We thank her for her many important contributions over the years and wish her the very best in retirement.”
Hoyt joined Praxair in 2002 and held a variety of management positions in corporate accounting before being appointed finance director for the onsite and helium units of Praxair’s North American Industrial Gases business in 2008. She was appointed controller for the eastern division in 2009, and director of investor relations in 2010. Before joining Praxair, Hoyt was an audit manager for KPMG and a communications manager at Xerox. She is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pace University, New York.
Pelaez has served as vice president of finance for Praxair Mexico since 2011. Prior to that, he served as general director for Praxair Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. He joined Praxair in 2000 and has served in various management and financial roles in South America, including finance director and internal audit director. Before joining Praxair, Pelaez served as finance administration manager at G2 Seismic Ltd. in Bogota, Colombia. Pelaez holds a business administration degree from CESA in Bogota and completed the Executive Development Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.