BASF Extends Tenures of Dr. Dirk Elvermann and Dr. Stephan Kothrade

On July 24, 2025, the Supervisory Board of BASF SE announced the extension of appointments for Dr. Dirk Elvermann and Dr. Stephan Kothrade as members of its Board of Executive Directors. Dr. Elvermann’s contract has been renewed for five years, extending until the conclusion of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting in 2031. He has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Digital Officer since April 2023, overseeing key areas such as Corporate Finance, Corporate Audit, Corporate Taxes & Duties, Global Business Services, Global Digital Services, and Global Procurement.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, who has held the position of Chief Technology Officer since March 2023, will continue in his role for an additional two years, until the end of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting in 2028. His responsibilities encompass Monomers, Performance Materials, Petrochemicals, Intermediates, Group Research, Greater China, and Mega Projects in Asia.

The decision to extend both executives reflects BASF's commitment to maintaining stable leadership during a period of significant transformation within the chemical industry. According to Dr. Nina Schwab-Hautzinger, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Government Relations at BASF, the extensions are part of a broader strategy to navigate the challenges posed by sustainability demands and the transition towards greener practices in the chemical sector.

BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, employs approximately 112,000 individuals worldwide and generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. The company is committed to supporting its clients in their green transformation, seeking to balance economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The extensions of Dr. Elvermann and Dr. Kothrade are expected to bolster the company's strategic initiatives in these areas.

In light of the increasing emphasis on sustainability, experts predict that BASF's leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the chemical industry. This sentiment is echoed by industry analysts such as Dr. Emily Roberts, a leading researcher at the Institute for Chemical Research, who notes, "Strong leadership is essential for companies like BASF to effectively address the environmental challenges facing the industry today."

As BASF continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving market landscape, the extensions of these key members of the Executive Board are seen as vital to ensuring the company's long-term success and its commitment to sustainable practices. Furthermore, these appointments reinforce the company's position as a preferred partner in the global market, particularly in sectors increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The implications of these leadership extensions will be closely monitored by stakeholders and industry observers alike, as BASF strives to fulfill its ambition of enabling a greener future through chemistry.