BASF to Increase Number of Women in Leadership Positions

BASF achieved its 2021 target of increasing the share of women in leadership positions to 22-24 per cent ahead of schedule and has now set itself a new goal. BASF has updated its target to women holding 30 per cent of leadership positions by 2030. BASF wants to increase the share of women in leadership positions worldwide to 30 per cent by 2030. At the end of 2019, the share of female managers was 23 per cent (2018: 21.7 per cent). In 2015, BASF set a target of increasing the share of women in leadership positions to 22-24 per cent by 2021 and achieved this target by the end of 2019, ahead of the set deadline. The goal of better gender balance in the leadership team will apply across the BASF Group worldwide and at all leadership levels. At BASF, this covers management levels in all countries where the company operates, thus reflecting a global approach to leadership development. BASF is focusing particularly on three leadership levels below the Board of Executive Directors. According to BASF, leaders at this level can make a significant contribution to further developing a corporate culture that embraces diversity and help make BASF an attractive employer for everyone. The share of female leaders at the three leadership levels below the Board of Executive Directors is 15.8 per cent (as of 31 December 2019). BASF Board of Executive Directors Chairman Dr. Martin Brudermüller said: "We want to involve women and their talents more effectively in BASF's leadership team. As a research-focused company, we know the value of having different ways of thinking and working. Different perspectives lead to innovative ideas and solutions for our customers." The new target also contributes to the implementation of the corporate strategy, which aims for profitable growth and value creation for society.

Measures to achieve the target

All leaders are responsible for tracking the new target. Early identification, nomination and development of talented female employees, as well as long-term succession planning, will contribute to achieving the goal. A large proportion of leadership positions at BASF are filled from within the company. BASF supports young leaders through personalized mentoring and training programmes. The company has been a member of the Chefsache initiative, which operates throughout Germany, since 2016. This network, which includes leaders from industry, academia, the public sector and the media, aims to initiate social change, such as increasing the percentage of women in leadership positions in Germany.