BASF appoints Steve Arndt Senior VP, Global Automotive Refinish Coatings

Appointment

BASF Coatings announced that Steve Arndt will succeed Chris Titmarsh as Senior Vice President, Global Automotive Refinish Coatings, effective July 1, 2026.

Outgoing leader

Chris Titmarsh will step down after a 20-year career at BASF, including eleven years in the automotive refinish coatings business and more than six years serving as Senior Vice President—initially for the EMEA business and subsequently for the global organization. During his tenure, he strengthened the customer focus of the business, advanced the innovation agenda, and promoted global collaboration in key markets worldwide.

Incoming leader

Steve Arndt brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive refinish coatings industry, both in production and sales in North America and Europe. For six years he was Global Distribution Sales Director at Axalta Coating Systems, responsible for the sales strategy in more than 140 countries, and he previously served as President and COO of FinishMaster.

Executive comments

Uta Holzenkamp, President BASF Coatings, said: "We sincerely thank Chris for his great commitment to our customers and our business at BASF Coatings. We wish him all the best for his future. Steve uniquely combines experience in production and sales at the highest level in this industry. We are very pleased to welcome him to the team."

Steve Arndt commented: "I greatly appreciate the strengths of this business. The technology is first-class, and the company has built strong, long-term customer relationships. Together we can achieve a lot."