BASF Coatings formally presented its strategic direction on Saturday as newly appointed CEO Jens Luehring outlined his priorities for the business ahead of its planned separation from BASF SE under private equity firm Carlyle Group. The announcement, made at an industry briefing in Münster, Germany, signals that the carve-out is progressing on schedule and that management is ready to operate as an independent entity.

Luehring, a German national who has been based in the United States since 2012, brings over two decades of coatings and specialty chemicals experience. Speaking to analysts and media, he emphasised operational efficiency, geographic expansion in Asia-Pacific markets, and accelerated investment in waterborne and sustainable coating technologies as the three pillars of the new company's near-term strategy.

The Carlyle-led spin-off of BASF Coatings, which supplies automotive OEM and refinish coatings globally, is expected to create a standalone business valued at approximately €3.5 billion. Carlyle agreed to acquire a majority stake in the unit late last year, with BASF retaining a minority shareholding. Legal and regulatory approvals are understood to be largely in place, with formal completion targeted for mid-2026.

Industry observers noted the appointment of Luehring as a deliberate signal of continuity. His background spans both European and North American operations, which analysts said reflects Carlyle's intention to pursue bolt-on acquisitions in those markets once the business is fully independent. 'The leadership choice tells you where the growth thesis is,' said one Frankfurt-based chemicals analyst. 'North America and premium automotive refinish are the targets.'

The move comes as the broader specialty chemicals sector navigates input cost volatility, with peers including Ashland and BASF's own materials divisions flagging energy and raw material pressures this week. Luehring acknowledged the headwinds but said the coatings unit's long-term supply agreements and reformulation pipeline provided a degree of insulation, adding that pricing discipline instilled under BASF ownership would be maintained post-separation.