Ryan Krogmeier to lead American Refining Group as new president

American Refining Group Inc. (ARG), a leading producer of specialty petroleum products, has announced the appointment of Ryan Krogmeier as its new president and chief operating officer, effective April 1, 2024. Krogmeier succeeds Jon Giberson, a seasoned industry executive who is set to retire after an impactful tenure with the company.

Giberson joined ARG in 2019, bringing his extensive experience from Sonneborn, where he served as vice president/general manager for the Americas. Giberson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rochester and an MBA in marketing and finance from St. Bonaventure University, has been instrumental in guiding ARG through significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership has been pivotal in the company’s continued growth and success.

Krogmeier comes to ARG with more than 30 years of experience in the refining industry, having held key leadership roles at Parkland Corporation and Chevron Corporation. His expertise in refining operations, sales, crude sourcing, and product development has earned him a reputation for strategic insight and operational excellence.

Neil Halloran, chairman of the Board at ARG, expressed his confidence in Krogmeier’s appointment, stating, “Ryan’s exceptional leadership and deep industry knowledge will be crucial as we navigate the next chapter of ARG’s growth and innovation.”

Krogmeier shared his excitement about joining the ARG team, highlighting the company’s history of delivering specialty refined solutions and its positive impact on the Bradford community. He expressed his commitment to building on ARG’s strong foundation and capitalising on new opportunities for continued success.

Krogmeier holds a BBA from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

American Refining Group, Inc. (ARG) traces its origins back to the late 19th century, with its roots deeply embedded in the early days of the American oil industry. The company operates the Bradford Refinery, which is located in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The Bradford Refinery was established in 1881, during the early boom of the Pennsylvania oil industry. The region around Bradford was rich in oil, and the refinery was set up to process the crude oil extracted from the nearby oil fields.

The Bradford Refinery, which is now operated by American Refining Group, Inc. (ARG), was originally established as the Kendall Refinery. It was founded in 1881 and became well-known for producing high-quality lubricants, including the famous Kendall Motor Oil. The Kendall brand and its iconic two-finger logo became synonymous with quality lubrication products. Over time, the refinery underwent changes in ownership and operations, eventually becoming part of ARG. Despite these changes, the refinery’s historical significance as the oldest continuously operated refinery in the United States remains a point of pride for the company.