AmeriGas president focuses on stability, care for customers, employees

AmeriGas began 2025 with a new president and a fresh outlook on its future.

A UGI company, AmeriGas appointed Michael Sharp to lead the largest propane retailer in the United States. With more than 25 years in the energy industry, Sharp arrived from Talen Energy, where he served as vice president of asset management since 2023.

“We have a plan in place and a lot of enthusiasm,” Sharp shared with LP Gas during this year’s Southeastern & International Propane Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina. “You’re going to see a turnaround at AmeriGas, and we’ll be the leader that we should be.”

When UGI announced the hire in December 2024, Sharp acknowledged “there is a lot of work ahead to improve the underlying business operations, strengthen customer relationships and transform the financial position of AmeriGas.”

In August 2023, UGI had announced it was conducting a strategic review of its LPG businesses, evaluating several value-creation opportunities, including a potential sale, spin and joint venture of AmeriGas. In May 2024, UGI announced it would retain ownership of AmeriGas and work to maintain “an intense focus on customer retention, improved free cash flow generation, effective cost control and disciplined capital allocation.”

Sharp addressed similar points in Charlotte, saying his goals are to stabilize the business, prioritize its customers and take care of its employees.

“We have the best name in the industry – AmeriGas, American gas – and we need to live up to that name,” he said.

Sharp said he’s been on dozens of customer calls since he arrived and has recognized how the customer wants to be heard, appreciated and respected. He expects the company to improve customer service with local call centers and more on-time deliveries.

AmeriGas is also undertaking several projects, which include establishing a project management office, “to get us to the future of where we should be,” he said.

Sharp feels the time is right for a resurgence at AmeriGas.

“Given the current administration, this is a unique opportunity to excel and advance the entire propane industry,” he said. “Whether it’s customer choice or the ability to use propane in certain states and for certain purposes, this a good opportunity to advance those initiatives and to recognize propane as the safe, clean, reliable, transportable fuel that it is.”

Hear from Sharp on his career background and goals in his new role below. ⬇️