BASF Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

BASF has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, strategy, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, BASF develops and produces high-performance solutions across diverse sectors, integrating environmental responsibility into its core business practices to foster progress through science.

Leadership Roles at BASF

  • President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation - Heather Remley
  • Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS) - Melissa Meggiolaro
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ikramul Haque
  • Chief Financial Officer, Basf Colombia, Ecuador & Peru - Alexandre Arenales
  • Basf Corporation Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Leiter
  • Head Chief Financial Officer, Functions - Mariia Bondar
  • President - Keith Councell
  • Senior To Regional Service Delivery Chief of Staff (North America) & Sa To Chief of Staff & Vice President, PE - Melissa Kurschner
  • Chief People Officer - Rick Farley
  • Chief People Officer, 3 - Rich Gow
  • Heather Remley - President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation

    Heather Remley, the President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation at BASF, spearheads the strategic direction and overall performance of the company's North American operations. This paramount leadership position involves driving growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring the successful execution of BASF's global mission within the region. Remley oversees all business units and functional areas, guiding the development and implementation of strategies that address market needs in sectors such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus is on enhancing customer collaboration, promoting sustainability, and reinforcing BASF's commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future. By championing a culture of excellence and accountability, Heather Remley ensures that BASF Corporation remains a leader in the chemical industry, delivering high-performance solutions and driving progress through science and technology across North America.

    Melissa Meggiolaro - Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS)

    Melissa Meggiolaro, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS) at BASF, provides critical strategic and operational support to the leadership of the ECMS division. This role involves coordinating key initiatives, managing executive communications, and ensuring the efficient execution of strategic priorities within this specialized business segment. Meggiolaro's responsibilities include facilitating cross-functional collaboration, overseeing project management for critical business developments, and supporting the President and Chief Executive Officer in driving the division's performance. The Chief of Staff's focus is on enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring alignment with BASF's broader goals of innovation and sustainability. By streamlining operations and supporting strategic decision-making, Melissa Meggiolaro plays a vital role in advancing the ECMS division's objectives and contributing to the company's overall mission.
    Melissa Meggiolaro

    Ikramul Haque - Chief Financial Officer

    Ikramul Haque, the Chief Financial Officer at BASF, directs the company's global financial strategy and operations. This leadership role involves overseeing all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation, ensuring robust financial health across the organization. Haque's oversight extends to managing investment portfolios and optimizing financial performance to support BASF's broad range of high-performance solutions in sectors like agriculture and automotive. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities also encompass ensuring compliance with financial regulations and driving initiatives that enhance shareholder value. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline, Ikramul Haque supports BASF's mission of creating chemistry for a sustainable future, aligning fiscal objectives with the company's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. This executive's strategic financial guidance is critical for navigating complex global markets and sustaining long-term growth.

    Alexandre Arenales - Chief Financial Officer, Basf Colombia, Ecuador & Peru

    Alexandre Arenales, the Chief Financial Officer, Basf Colombia, Ecuador & Peru at BASF, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the South American region. This position requires a deep understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory environments to ensure profitability and sustainable growth. Arenales oversees all financial reporting, treasury functions, and investment strategies specific to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, directly impacting the company's regional performance. The Chief Financial Officer's role involves optimizing resource allocation and mitigating financial risks within these key markets. By implementing robust financial controls and driving efficiency, Alexandre Arenales supports BASF's commitment to delivering tailored products and services to customers in these regions. This executive's leadership ensures financial integrity and contributes significantly to the company's expansive global presence and dedication to progress through science.

    Matthew Leiter - Basf Corporation Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Leiter, the Basf Corporation Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at BASF, directs the financial strategy and operational execution for the North American subsidiary. This critical role involves managing all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury, and investor relations within the United States and Canada. Leiter's responsibilities include optimizing capital deployment, ensuring compliance with regional financial regulations, and driving profitability across BASF's diverse product portfolio, which serves sectors from agriculture to construction. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights are vital for supporting innovation and sustainability initiatives specific to the North American market. By fostering financial discipline and identifying growth opportunities, Matthew Leiter plays a key part in advancing BASF's mission to create chemistry for a sustainable future and reinforcing its market leadership. This executive's financial acumen is essential for the corporation's continued success and expansion.

    Mariia Bondar - Head Chief Financial Officer, Functions

    Mariia Bondar, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Functions at BASF, leads the financial management and strategic planning for the company's core functional units. This executive role focuses on optimizing financial performance and resource allocation across departments that support the broader business operations, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Bondar's oversight includes managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost control measures for critical functions that underpin BASF's innovation and sustainability efforts. The Head Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to driving financial efficiency and implementing best practices throughout the organization. By providing strategic financial guidance to functional leaders, Mariia Bondar ensures that these essential areas operate with maximum effectiveness and contribute to the company's overall mission of creating chemistry for a sustainable future. This leadership ensures robust financial support for all operational facets.

    Keith Councell - President

    Keith Councell, the President at BASF, leads significant operational divisions and strategic initiatives within the company, driving business performance and market expansion. This executive role involves overseeing key business units, ensuring the effective implementation of corporate strategies, and fostering strong customer relationships across various industries. Councell's responsibilities include guiding product development, optimizing supply chain logistics, and promoting the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The President's focus is on achieving operational excellence and maximizing profitability while upholding BASF's mission of creating chemistry for a sustainable future. By providing decisive leadership and strategic oversight, Keith Councell ensures that BASF's diverse portfolio of high-performance solutions effectively meets market demands and contributes to the company's ongoing success and global reach.
    Keith Councell

    Melissa Kurschner - Senior To Regional Service Delivery Chief of Staff (North America) & Sa To Chief of Staff & Vice President, PE

    Melissa Kurschner, the Senior To Regional Service Delivery Chief of Staff (North America) & Sa To Chief of Staff & Vice President, PE at BASF, provides strategic support and operational leadership across key service delivery and project execution initiatives within North America. This multifaceted role involves enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining service delivery models, and ensuring seamless project management for critical business objectives. Kurschner's responsibilities include aligning departmental efforts with corporate strategy, optimizing resource utilization, and driving continuous improvement across service functions. The Chief of Staff & Vice President, PE's focus is on facilitating effective communication and collaboration between executive leadership and operational teams. By managing key projects and supporting strategic planning, Melissa Kurschner directly contributes to BASF's commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring the company's high-performance solutions are delivered effectively to customers across the region.

    Rick Farley - Chief People Officer

    Rick Farley, the Chief People Officer at BASF, directs the company's global human resources strategy, focusing on talent management, organizational development, and fostering a positive workplace culture. This executive role is pivotal in attracting, retaining, and developing the skilled workforce necessary to drive BASF's innovation and sustainability initiatives across all sectors. Farley oversees all aspects of employee relations, compensation and benefits, and leadership development programs, ensuring alignment with the company's commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future. The Chief People Officer's strategic vision is crucial for building a diverse and inclusive environment that supports collaboration and employee engagement. By championing people-centric policies and programs, Rick Farley ensures that BASF's extensive global presence is supported by a highly capable and motivated team, essential for delivering high-performance solutions and driving progress.

    Rich Gow - Chief People Officer, 3

    Rich Gow, the Chief People Officer, 3 at BASF, oversees critical human capital strategies and talent management initiatives, ensuring the organization's workforce is equipped to meet evolving business demands. This leadership position focuses on developing and implementing comprehensive HR policies that support employee growth, engagement, and retention across designated operational areas. Gow's responsibilities include driving initiatives related to organizational culture, diversity and inclusion, and performance management, all aimed at reinforcing BASF's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Chief People Officer's strategic input is vital for aligning human resources with the company's broader objectives, including the development of high-performance solutions. By cultivating a robust talent pipeline and fostering a supportive work environment, Rich Gow significantly contributes to BASF's mission of creating chemistry for a sustainable future and maintaining its competitive edge.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BASF Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BASF?
    BASF is led by Heather Remley (President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation), along with executives such as Melissa Meggiolaro (Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS)) and Ikramul Haque (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of BASF’s executive team?
    The executive team of BASF includes leaders such as Heather Remley (President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation), Melissa Meggiolaro (Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS)), Ikramul Haque (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BASF have?
    BASF has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BASF’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BASF includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, BASF Corporation, Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Basf Colombia, Ecuador & Peru, Basf Corporation Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.