BASF Corporation has new president and CEO

United States. Wayne T. Smith is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Wayne replaces Hans Engel, who as CHIEF Financial Officer of BASF SE will move to the company's global headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and assume additional responsibilities on BASF's Board of Chief Executive Officers.

Smith (55) began his career at BASF in 2004 as Group Vice President of the U.S. Intermediary Regional Business Unit. In 2006 he was appointed President of the Catalyst Division and Executive Vice President of BASF Corporation. He became chairman of the company's polyurethanes division in Brussels, Belgium, in 2010 and was appointed to basf SE's Board of Executive Directors in 2012. In addition to his role as CEO and President of BASF Corporation, Smith will have global responsibilities in the catalyst, coatings and performance materials divisions.

Smith was born in Rochester, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University and holds a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Smith is married and has two children.