BASF Coatings Names Executive Committee for Its Independent Operation
BASF Coatings has named the leadership team that will lead the business as an independent company starting July 1, 2026, following the completion of the transaction. The new structure brings together executives who have built the Coatings business over many years with experienced managers.
The Executive Committee, which was appointed to lead and further develop BASF Coatings as an independent company, will be headed by the future Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jens Luehring. The Executive Committee defines the company’s strategic direction and drives business development. Effective July 1, 2026, its members will be: Jens Luehring, CEO; Michael Pontzen, CFO; Ewout van Jarwaarde, CTO; Frank Naber, EVP Surface Treatment; Patrick Zhao, EVP Mobility Coatings; Steve Arndt, EVP Refinish Coatings; and Dr. Nils Lessmann, EVP Operations Mobility/Refinish. “Some of these executives have dedicated their careers to building this business over many years; others bring expertise gained over the years from across the entire industry. Together, they give us the reliability to continue supporting our customers at the highest level and the strength to think bigger and move faster,” says CEO-designate Jens Luehring.
Appointments to the BASF Coatings Executive Committee
Jens Luehring will take the helm of the future independent company. He has more than two decades of experience in corporate transformation, carve-outs, mergers and acquisitions, and finance. Most recently, as President & CEO, he led the carve-out of the former Linde operations in North and South America. Michael Pontzen will become Chief Financial Officer. He brings more than 25 years of experience in financial management and executive positions in the chemical industry and most recently served as CFO of Nobian. Ewout van Jarwaarde will assume responsibility for corporate development as Chief Transformation Officer. He was most recently CEO of Brenntag Essentials and previously served, among other roles, as a partner at McKinsey & Company. Frank Naber, as Executive Vice President of Surface Treatment, will lead the division that includes the Chemetall brand. Patrick Zhao will lead the Mobility Coatings division as Executive Vice President; Steve Arndt will take over Refinish Coatings; and Dr. Nils Lessmann will serve as Executive Vice President of Operations for Mobility/Refinish. The Executive Committee is supported by the Corporate Functions. David Johnston joins the Executive Leadership Team as Chief Digital and Information Officer. He has more than 30 years of international IT leadership experience and most recently served as CIO at Messer Americas.
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