CGA is pleased to congratulate Christian Weikinger from The Linde Group as the recipient of the 2025 IOMA International Harmonization Award! This prestigious award was created by the International Oxygen Manufacturer’s Association (IOMA) Global Committee in 2005 to recognize significant and distinguished service to the international harmonization process. It is presented annually to an individual who best exemplifies the character, commitment, and technical excellence prevalent in the development of harmonized publications or legislation at the international level.
A Career of Impact
This honor recognizes Christian’s outstanding contributions to the international harmonisation process and international standardisation, marking him as a leader whose dedication and technical expertise have shaped global safety and engineering standards in the gases industry.
Christian exemplifies the qualities of commitment, character, and technical excellence required to develop internationally harmonized documents and standards. His work has had a profound impact on improving safety and operational practices across the industry. Since joining the gases industry, Christian has tirelessly advanced the development of international standards as well as internal documents defining engineering requirements for air separation units (ASUs) and related processes. His efforts have consistently aimed at enhancing safety and reliability in these critical areas.
Christian played a pivotal role in creating the EIGA Oxygen e-learning package and the perlite training package, both essential tools for promoting safety in the gases sector.
Christian’s influence and reputation extend beyond his own organization. He has collaborated extensively with EIGA member companies and other IHC associations where he is recognized as a global expert committed to finding solutions for complex technical challenges while fostering a spirit of cooperation across the industry.
Leadership and Mentorship
Christian joined The Linde Group in 1992 and currently serves as Head of Process Engineering & Process Safety for Linde Gas EMEA ASU Bulk & Onsite Production Hub. Since 2016, he has chaired EIGA’s Atmospheric Gases Working Group, where he successfully led the harmonization of critical technical positions such as EIGA’s Technical Bulletin for Europe’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Beyond his technical achievements, Christian is a dedicated mentor, ensuring that knowledge and expertise are passed on to the next generation of professionals in the gases industry.
Congratulations, Christian! Your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to safety and harmonization have set a benchmark for excellence in our industry.
IOMA International Harmonization Award Recipients
2025 Christian Weikinger, The Linde Group
2024 Takeshi Matsuyama, Air Water Inc.
2023 Jerry Lu, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
2022 Gregory DeVincentis, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
2021 Sudhir Phakey, Linde PLC
2020 Dr. Wolfgang Dörner, The Linde Group
2019 Satoshi Hasaka, Taiyo Nippon Sanso
2018 Dr. John Somavarapu, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc.
2017 Mark Begg, Air Products SA NV
2016 John Bernard, Praxair, Inc.
2015 David Birch, The Linde Group
2014 Ichiro Nakayama, Taiyo Nippon Sanso
2013 Alain Colson, L’Air Liquide S.A.
2012 Jerrold Sameth, Matheson
2011 Takashi Washizu, Air Water Inc.
2010 Dr. Hervé Barthélémy, L’Air Liquide S.A.
2009 Andrea Mariotti, SOL Spa
2008 William Schmidt, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
2007 Helmut Kahl, The Linde Group
2006 Gary Prezbindowski, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc.
2005 Dr. Christopher Jubb, BOC Gases