Stockport, England, United Kingdom, July 2026 — BASF has announced the appointment of Lisa Kelly as Managing Director of BASF plc and BASF Pharma (Callanish) Limited, effective 15 July 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the company’s UK operations.
Lisa succeeds to the role after eight successful years leading BTC UK & Ireland (BTC Europe) and serving as a member of the BASF plc Leadership Team. Bringing more than 35 years of experience across technical, commercial, and executive leadership roles, she has built an extensive international career since joining BASF in 1989. The company highlighted her deep understanding of customers, markets, and the specialty chemicals industry, positioning her well to lead BASF’s strategic priorities in the United Kingdom.
Prior to her appointment, Lisa served as Head of BTC Country Organisation at BTC Europe, having earlier led the business as Country Head – BTC UK & Ireland for over a decade. She also served as Head of BTC Sub Region North East and previously as Head of Sales, Home Care & Industrial Formulators, where she played a key role in driving commercial growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding BASF’s market presence across the region.
Before joining BTC Europe, Lisa spent nearly 15 years with BASF, progressing through a series of commercial leadership roles including North Europe Aroma Chemicals Manager, Account Manager – Nutrition & Health, Sales Representative – Fine Chemicals, and Sales & Customer Service Officer. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive expertise across specialty chemicals, nutrition and health, aroma chemicals, industrial solutions, sales leadership, customer engagement, and business development.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Lisa has also made significant contributions to the wider chemicals industry through the British Chemicals Association, where she served as a Director for nine years and as Chairperson from 2020 to 2022. During her tenure, she helped lead the transition of the organisation from the British Association for Chemical Specialities (BACS) to the British Chemicals Association, supporting initiatives that strengthened the UK’s specialty chemicals sector.
As Managing Director of BASF plc and BASF Pharma (Callanish) Limited, Lisa will provide strategic leadership for BASF’s UK operations, strengthening the company’s licence to operate, supporting customers across multiple industries, fostering innovation and sustainability, and ensuring BASF continues to contribute to the Group’s long-term global success.
Education: Education details were not provided in the available information.
About BASF
BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical companies, guided by its purpose of creating chemistry for a sustainable future. The company combines economic success with environmental responsibility and social progress while helping customers accelerate their green transformation through innovative products, technologies, and solutions.
With approximately 108,000 employees worldwide, BASF serves customers across nearly every industry and country. Its portfolio spans the Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies, and Agricultural Solutions segments. In 2025, BASF generated approximately €60 billion in sales, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the chemical industry.
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