Lena Adam appointed BASF Performance Chemicals president

BASF has announced significant personnel changes effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Thomas Kloster, current president of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division, will transition to lead the Petrochemicals division as Hartwig Michels retires. Lena Adam, senior vice president of Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, will succeed Kloster as president of Performance Chemicals.

Adam, born in Cologne, Germany, joined BASF in 2001 through its International Business Traineeship Program. She holds a diploma in business administration from the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society and an MBA from The University of North Carolina. Adam has more than 20 years of experience at BASF, spanning roles in marketing, sustainability, and product stewardship. Since 2022, she has led the Fuel and Lubricant Solutions global business unit, part of the Performance Chemicals division.

Under her leadership, BASF has achieved key milestones in advanced lubricant solutions and sustainability. As she steps into her new role, Adam is expected to further drive innovation and sustainable growth across the Performance Chemicals portfolio.

This leadership change aligns with BASF’s commitment to fostering talent and adapting to evolving market demands. With sales of EUR68.9 billion (USD72.68 billion) in 2023, BASF continues to innovate across its diverse portfolio, supporting customers in nearly every industry globally.