BASF Coatings names Executive Committee for standalone company effective July 1, 2026

Leadership lineup

Effective July 1, 2026, following closing of the transaction, the Executive Committee will lead the company as an independent entity. Jens Luehring will serve as Chief Executive Officer, supported by Michael Pontzen as CFO and Ewout van Jarwaarde as Chief Transformation Officer, together with five executive vice presidents.

Executive Committee composition and remit

The Committee sets strategic direction and drives business performance. Members are Frank Naber (EVP Surface Treatment), Patrick Zhao (EVP Mobility Coatings), Steve Arndt (EVP Refinish Coatings) and Dr. Nils Lessmann (EVP Operations Mobility/Refinish). Corporate functions supporting the Committee include digital and information, procurement, human resources, safety, sustainability, innovation, legal and communications.

Profiles and responsibilities

Jens Luehring brings over two decades of experience in transformation, carve-outs, M&A and finance, including leading a legacy Linde Americas carve-out and serving in CEO and CFO roles. Michael Pontzen has 25+ years in finance leadership in the chemical sector, most recently as CFO of Nobian. Ewout van Jarwaarde has led global transformations and served as CEO of Brenntag Essentials and as a McKinsey partner. Frank Naber and Patrick Zhao are long-tenured coatings leaders within the group; Steve Arndt brings 30+ years in automotive refinish manufacturing and distribution; Dr. Nils Lessmann will oversee production, supply chain and company-wide procurement for Mobility and Refinish businesses.

Digital and information

David Johnston joins as Chief Digital and Information Officer, with three decades of global IT leadership and experience building standalone IT organisations and leading cloud, data, analytics, AI and cybersecurity programmes at Messer Americas, Linde and BOC Gases.