BASF Coatings announces management change after closing
BASF Coatings has announced that Jens Lühring will be appointed Chief Executive Officer once the transaction between BASF and Carlyle is completed. The closing will create an independent coatings company.
Dr. Uta Holzenkamp will continue to lead BASF Coatings until the closing of the transaction and will subsequently support Jens Lühring to ensure a smooth transition. The transaction between BASF and Carlyle announced in October 2025(as reported by Surface Technology Online) is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. "Uta Holzenkamp has shaped BASF Coatings with a clear focus on employees and customers," said Tanaka Maswoswe, Partner at Carlyle. "Her leadership during the carve-out phase and preparation for the transition was central to successfully positioning the company for the future as an independent entity. We are very grateful for her contribution and for the continuity and stability she will continue to provide post-closing." "We are very pleased that Uta Holzenkamp will be passing the baton to Jens Lühring - an experienced manager with a proven track record of transforming carve-outs into strong, growing independent companies," said Tanaka Maswoswe. "Building on the foundation laid by Uta Holzenkamp and with Jens Lühring's experience in leading organizations, BASF Coatings is very well positioned for the next phase."
New independent coatings company is created
Dr. Uta Holzenkamp, President of BASF Coatings, said: "Having given BASF Coatings a strong foundation with long-standing, trusting customer partnerships, a strong and dedicated global team and market-leading innovative technologies, the closing is the right time to hand over responsibility to Jens Lühring. With his international experience in building and transforming independent companies, he will successfully drive the next phase of growth." Jens Lühring, Chief Executive Officer designate, said: "I am honored to take on this role at a crucial time for the company. BASF Coatings has a strong team, leading market positions and clearly differentiated products and services. On this basis, we will further accelerate our transformation into an entrepreneurial, performance-oriented and independent technology leader in the coatings sector." Jens Lühring is an international leader with over two decades of experience in corporate transformations, carve-outs, mergers & acquisitions and finance. A German national, he has lived in the US since 2012 and led the company as President & CEO for seven years, achieving significant improvements in financial performance, operational excellence and growth. Lühring has served in CEO and CFO roles for over a decade. Dr. Uta Holzenkamp has led BASF Coatings since 2022 and has global responsibility for around 10,500 employees. She has almost three decades of international management experience in the coatings, automotive and chemical industries. Since joining BASF in 1997, she has held various management positions in Germany and internationally. On October 10, 2025, BASF and Carlyle, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), announced that they have entered into a binding agreement for the sale of the Automotive OEM Coatings, Automotive Refinish and Surface Technologies businesses.