Chart Industries CEO Jill Evanko to step down ahead of Baker Hughes acquisition

Jill Evanko

Chart Industries President and CEO Jill Evanko will step down in early 2026 after nine years leading the company, concluding a tenure marked by transformative acquisitions, expanded technology platforms and a deliberate shift toward high-growth energy and industrial markets.

The company said Evanko has accepted an executive role at a privately held firm. She will remain with Chart as a senior adviser until Baker Hughes completes its pending acquisition of Chart, a deal expected to close by mid-2026. The Board of Directors plans to appoint an interim CEO from within the organization.

During her time at Chart, Evanko helped guide the business through a period of accelerated growth, reshaping the company’s strategic focus and expanding its footprint in LNG, industrial gases, carbon capture and emerging data center markets. She championed Chart’s portfolio diversification efforts, including the 2023 acquisition of Howden, and strengthened the company’s aftermarket, service and repair operations.

In a statement, Chart Board Chairman Andrew Cichocki credited Evanko with broadening the company’s technical and commercial capabilities while building a global solutions business aligned with fast-moving energy transition sectors.

“As CEO, Jill spearheaded the strategic evolution of Chart’s portfolio, successfully building a world-class process technology and solution offering across high-growth sectors,” Cichocki said. “The global OneChart team continues preparing for the completion of the Baker Hughes transaction. To date, significant work has been undertaken to ensure a seamless integration of our complementary businesses. The Board has full confidence in the Chart team, and we are grateful that Jill will remain a resource to Chart.”

Evanko said the decision to leave was driven by a new career opportunity, adding that she remains proud of Chart’s momentum and confident in the future under Baker Hughes.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to work alongside the Chart team and serve our customers and partners,” Evanko said. “I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished together and strongly believe that the Baker Hughes team are the right partners for Chart.”

Chart shareholders have approved the acquisition, and the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act has expired. The companies expect the transaction to close by mid-2026, pending remaining regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The leadership transition marks a significant moment for Chart as it prepares to join Baker Hughes’ portfolio of turbomachinery, LNG, carbon management and industrial technology businesses. For Baker Hughes, the deal would bring an expanded suite of cold-box, liquefaction, hydrogen and carbon capture equipment along with a large installed base and long-term aftermarket revenue potential.

Chart said its integration planning teams are continuing work to ensure a smooth transition once the transaction closes.