From April 1, 2003, Dr Michael Hepp has assumed responsibility for the global management performance chemicals for leather at BASF Ludwigshafen. He will be responsible for the global activities of the unit, in particular the worldwide strategy and coordination with Europe, North and South America and Asia with regards to production, R&D, marketing and sales.
He was born in Ludwigsburg, Germany, in 1958 and studied chemistry in Heidelberg and Bristol, UK. He completed his PhD in Heidleberg in 1987 and joined BASF in the same year. After various research posts and posts within the textile and colourants divisions, he transferred to São Paulo in 2001 as head of the performance chemicals South America regional business unit.
Dr Hepp succeeds Hartwig Michels, who after five years with performance chemicals for leather has taken another leading position in the company.