Münster, Germany, June 2026 — BASF Coatings has appointed Michael Pontzen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Member of the Executive Committee, effective July 1, 2026. Bringing nearly three decades of international financial leadership experience, Michael joins the company with a distinguished track record in corporate finance, controlling, investor relations, capital markets, and business transformation. In his new role, he will oversee BASF Coatings’ global finance organization while supporting the company’s strategic growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
Prior to joining BASF Coatings, Michael Pontzen served as Senior Financial Advisor at The Carlyle Group, advising portfolio companies on strategic financial initiatives following his successful tenure as Chief Financial Officer of Nobian, a Carlyle portfolio company. During his time at Nobian, he led the finance organization through an important phase of business development, strengthening financial operations, governance, and strategic execution within one of Europe’s leading industrial chemicals companies.
Earlier, Michael built an exceptional 19-year career at LANXESS, where he held a succession of senior financial leadership positions. Most notably, he served as Chief Financial Officer for more than eight years, leading the company’s global finance function and supporting strategic decision-making during a period of business transformation. Prior to becoming CFO, he held key executive roles as Head of Corporate Controlling, Head of Corporate Finance, and Head of Investor Relations, developing deep expertise across financial planning, treasury, capital markets, investor communications, corporate governance, and enterprise performance management.
Before joining LANXESS, Michael served as Vice President – Investor Relations at EADS and previously as Investor Relations Manager at MAN, where he strengthened investor engagement and capital market communications for globally recognized industrial organizations. He began his professional career as Board Assistant at Ferrostaal AG, building a strong foundation in corporate management, finance, and strategic business operations that has supported an accomplished leadership career spanning nearly 30 years.
With extensive expertise in corporate finance, financial strategy, controlling, investor relations, capital markets, corporate governance, business transformation, and executive leadership, Michael’s appointment reinforces BASF Coatings’ commitment to strengthening its executive team as the company continues driving innovation, sustainability, and profitable global growth.
About BASF Coatings
BASF Coatings is a global leader in innovative surface solutions, with more than 130 years of expertise in developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality coatings technologies. Employing around 10,000 people across more than 70 locations worldwide, the company serves customers with advanced automotive OEM coatings, refinish coatings, and applied surface technologies for metal, plastic, and glass substrates across multiple industries.
Driven by innovation, science, and sustainability, BASF Coatings continuously develops solutions that enhance product performance while reducing environmental impact. Through advanced research, modern production technologies, and customer-focused innovation, the company helps customers achieve their performance and sustainability goals while shaping the future of surface technologies.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
