Dr. Markus Kamieth appointed as new chairman of BASF’s Executive Board

BASF SE, a global leader in chemical production, has announced a significant leadership transition. Dr. Markus Kamieth, a long-standing member of the Board of Executive Directors since 2017, is set to become the new chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, effective at the end of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on April 25, 2024. This decision was made by the Supervisory Board on December 20, 2023.

Kamieth will succeed Dr. Martin Brudermüller, who has been at the helm as chairman since 2018 and a board member since 2006. Dr. Kurt Bock, chairman of the Supervisory Board of BASF SE, praised Brudermüller for his exceptional leadership, particularly his focus on steering BASF towards climate neutrality.Bock expressed confidence in Dr. Kamieth’s capabilities, citing his diverse professional experience in Germany, the United States, and Asia, and his combination of strategic vision and operational strength.

New appointments to the Board

The Supervisory Board also announced the appointment of Anup Kothari, currently president of the Nutrition & Health division, to the Board of Executive Directors, effective March 1, 2024. Kothari’s career at BASF spans various roles in the United States, Germany, and China. Additionally, Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel, currently president of Europe, Middle East, Africa region, will join the Board of Executive Directors and serve as Industrial Relations director starting February 1, 2024. She joined BASF in 2010 following the acquisition of Cognis and has successfully led various businesses since then.

Departure of Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner

Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner, who has decided not to extend her contract beyond January 31, 2024, will be succeeded by Scharpwinkel. The Supervisory Board expressed regret over Dr. Maas-Brunner’s decision to pursue new professional challenges and thanked her for her contributions.

Contract extension for Michael Heinz

The Supervisory Board has extended the contract of Michael Heinz, a member of the Board of Executive Directors since 2011, until the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in 2026. Heinz is responsible for the Agricultural Solutions, Nutrition & Health, and Care Chemicals divisions, as well as the North America and South America regions.