Studies in Chemistry, University of Karlsruhe, Germany; doctorate; postdoctoral research University of California, Berkeley. With BASF: 1988, Ammonia Laboratory; 1993, business development and marketing, Intermediates Division; 1995, Head, Marketing and Sales Intermediates, pharmaceutical chemicals, Italy, Milan, Italy; 1997, staff to Vice-Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Chemicals Department; 1999, Director, Fat-Soluble Vitamins Production, Fine Chemicals Operating Division; 2001, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Planning; 2003, President, Functional Polymers Division; 2006, Member of the Board of Executive Directors; since 2011, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors; since 2015, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.