Michael Heinz assumes responsibility for global team to integrate Ciba / Markus Heldt to become new head of Crop Protection division

Michael Heinz assumes responsibility for global team to integrate Ciba

Markus Heldt to become new head of Crop Protection division

Ludwigshafen , Germany - Michael Heinz (44), the current head BASF?s Crop Protection division, has been appointed head of the global Ciba integration team as of February 1, 2009. As of the same date, Heinz will be succeeded by Markus Heldt (50), who is currently responsible for the company?s crop protection business in North America.

Heinz, who was born in Mannheim, Germany, has held a number of positions in fine chemicals and crop protection in North, South and Central America since joining BASF in 1987. In 1999, he was appointed General Manager of BASF?s activities in Mexico and Central America. In 2002, he assumed responsibility for global strategic marketing of BASF?s crop protection products before being made head of the Crop Protection division in 2005.

Heldt joined BASF in 2000 following the company?s acquisition of American Cyanamid. In 2003, he was assigned responsibility for BASF?s crop protection and fine chemicals businesses in Latin America. In 2005, he assumed responsibility for the crop protection business in North America.

About BASF
BASF is the world?s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost ?58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).


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