BASF Coatings Names Incoming CEO Ahead of Separation
Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2026
BASF Coatings (Florham Park, New Jersey) announced that Jens Luehring will be appointed CEO upon closing of its transaction with The Carlyle Group, which will establish the business as a standalone coatings company.
Dr. Uta Holzenkamp will continue to lead BASF Coatings until the transaction closes and will support Luehring during the transition. The deal, first announced in October 2025, remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
Luehring brings more than two decades of experience in corporate transformation, carve-outs and mergers and acquisitions, including leadership roles in the industrial gases sector. BASF Coatings said his background includes leading the carve-out and development of a private equity-backed standalone business.
Holzenkamp has led BASF Coatings since 2022 and will continue to support the transition following closing. The company highlighted her role in preparing the business for separation and maintaining operational stability.
The transaction involves the sale of BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings and surface treatment businesses, positioning the new entity as an independent coatings technology company.
Dr. Uta Holzenkamp
Jens Luehring