BASF advocates stability

The Supervisory Board of BASF SE has extended the appointments of Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel and Anup Kothari as members of the Board of Executive Directors until the conclusion of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in 2030. 

The extension secures long-term leadership stability across key operational divisions for the global automotive coatings, plastics, and chemical supplier.

Anup Kothari, 58, was appointed to the Board of Executive Directors in 2024 and assumed the role of Chairman of BASF Corporation in the United States in 2025. Within his executive portfolio, Kothari oversees the Industrial Solutions and Surface Technologies segments, which encompass automotive OEM coatings, refinish paint systems, catalysts, and surface treatments.

Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel, 56, joined the Board of Executive Directors in 2024 and serves as Industrial Relations Director and Site Director for BASF’s central Verbund manufacturing facility in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Her responsibilities cover European Site & Verbund Management, Global Engineering Services, and Corporate Environmental Protection, Health, Safety & Quality.

For North American automotive supply chain managers, refinish paint distributors, and manufacturing partners, Kothari’s continued leadership across North American operations and the Surface Technologies portfolio reinforces operational continuity for OEM and aftermarket material supply chains.