BASF aims to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions throughout its global organization to 30% by 2030. The German group said it will focus in particular on the three leadership levels below the managing board.

The group’s goal, formulated in 2015, was to increase the proportion of women in leadership roles to 22-24% up to 2021. This was achieved ahead of schedule at the end of 2019, with 23% of the roles held by women, up from 21.7% in 2018.

In the top echelons currently targeted, the proportion of female managers was only 15.8% as per the end of 2019. BASF did not indicate the management positions considered.

“We want to better incorporate women and their abilities in the leadership team of BASF. As a research-driven company, we know the value of diverse ways of thinking and working. Different perspectives result in innovative ideas and solutions for our customers,” said CEO. Martin Brudermüller.

As multipliers, female leaders at the top three levels can make a significant contribution to further developing a diverse corporate culture, Brudermüller added, while noting that early recognition, nomination and development of talented female employees as well as long-term succession planning will contribute to reaching the goal.

The new target also contributes to implementing the corporate strategy, which aims for profitable growth and creating value for society, the CEO said.

Since 2016, BASF has been a member of the Germany-wide Chefsache initiative, a network of leaders from industry, academia, the public sector and media, which aims to initiate social change such as increasing the percentage of women in leadership positions in the country.