Heather Remley named President and CEO of BASF’s North American operations

BASF Corporation has appointed Heather Remley as its new President and chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2025. She takes the helm of the North American arm of BASF SE, one of the world’s largest chemical companies. The region employs approximately 16,000 people and reported $19.7 billion in sales in 2024, with operations spanning chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, nutrition and care, surface technologies, and agricultural solutions.

Remley, who has spent nearly three decades in the industry, steps into the role with a background in global leadership and operations. Most recently, she was president of BASF’s global engineering services division in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Before that, she led the company’s North American petrochemicals business as senior vice president in Houston. Since joining BASF in 2016, she has held key positions across the U.S., China, and Germany.

Her experience extends beyond BASF. Prior to her tenure with the company, Remley spent nearly 20 years at Air Products & Chemicals Inc., holding executive roles in industrial gases and global engineering across the U.S. and Asia. Her career has included oversight of commercial operations, manufacturing, and engineering in multiple markets.

“Heather’s industry expertise and leadership make her the right person to drive our U.S. business forward,” said Anup Kothari, a member of BASF SE’s board of executive directors responsible for North America. “She will play a critical role in strengthening our market position while advancing the company’s global strategy.”

Remley said she looks forward to returning to the U.S. to lead one of BASF’s most significant markets. “Collaboration, innovation, and a strong performance culture are key to our future success,” she said. “I’m excited to work with our talented team to build on our foundation and drive sustainable growth.”

A Pennsylvania native, Remley earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College and an MBA from Boston College. Her leadership comes as BASF Corporation continues efforts to align economic success with sustainability goals, supporting customers in their transition to greener solutions.