Markus Kamieth, the new BASF CEO, won't have much time to settle in. Taking the helm in a challenging political and economic environment, the 53-year-old manager will benefit from his 25 years at the chemical conglomerate, as well as his international experience in key markets such as the US and Asia, together with a natural inclination to drive things forward.

Kamieth has spent several months warming up for his new role, familiarising himself with many aspects of the company, and seeking advice from his predecessor, Martin Brudermüller. With the conclusion of the annual general meeting, the passionate cyclist is now ready to fully engage. Upon the leadership transition, Brudermüller presented him with a cycling jersey bearing the BASF logo.

In the current industry landscape, Kamieth will need to tackle a range of issues. The company is grappling with sustained weak demand in key markets, and high energy prices in its home market are impacting competitiveness. It is also facing societal and political pressure to justify its involvement in China, where BASF is currently building a major new integrated site — the largest single investment in the company's history. And the green transformation looms over everything.

The chemist, who has been on the board for seven years, has set a clear goal for himself and the newly composed leadership team: „We want to make BASF the preferred chemical company to enable its customers' green transformation", he explains. Throughout his career at the company, he has always shown curiousity for new developments, prioritising innovation, and he intends to spend a lot of time with customers. He also plans to speak up on political issues that are important to BASF — following in the footsteps of his outspoken predecessor Brudermüller.

Profitable growth and value enhancement are central targets for Kamieth, who is determined to make a difference even in challenging times. The board is working on a strategy update, which he plans to present later this year.

A key focus area is the Ludwigshafen site, which slipped into deep losses last fiscal year, and is undergoing a cost-cutting program. „I cannot imagine a future for the company without Ludwigshafen, but the site will continue to evolve“, says Kamieth, giving his assurance that „we are making efforts to lift Ludwigshafen out of the trough.“ It will be necessary to analyse in detail what can still be produced profitably at Ludwigshafen, the company's largest site.

Kamieth, a down-to-earth and approachable manager, understands the impact of structural changes on regions and people, referencing his own family history. He grew up in the Ruhr area, where his father worked underground in mining. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and attend college.

Amidst the discussions surrounding business locations, he emphasises the importance of a robust industrial landscape in Europe, asserting that this is „unattainable without the chemical industry“. „It's worth keeping and expanding a competitive industry in Europe,“ he says. This goal has not necessarily been shared in politics in recent times. However, following the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, there have been more encouraging responses from policymakers. „There is a growing conviction in politics that in addition to the Green Deal, an Industrial Deal is needed“, he believes.

With regard to China, Kamieth, who was previously BASF's head in Asia, supports the company's expansion strategy. „We will continue to invest in China, because that's where the customer industries are and it's an important market", he says, adding that China has changed in recent years in terms of industrial dynamics and competitiveness. „I also look at China with a critical eye, but without China BASF cannot grow profitably“, he emphasises.

And according to Kamieth, the climate for foreign investors in China has improved. „As an investor, you are welcomed in China like never before", he says.