New VP at BASF Global Automotive Refinish Coatings Announced

BASF Coatings has announced that Steve Arndt will succeed Chris Titmarsh as Senior Vice President, Global Automotive Refinish Coatings, effective July 1, 2026.

Chris Titmarsh has decided to step down after a distinguished 20-year career with BASF, eleven of which he spent in Refinish. He served as Senior Vice President in Refinish for more than six years, first leading the EMEA business and then the global organization. During his tenure, he advanced the business's customer focus, innovation agenda, and global collaboration across key markets worldwide.

Steve Arndt brings more than 30 years of automotive refinish industry experience spanning both manufacturing and distribution across North America and Europe. He spent six years at Axalta Coating Systems as Global Distribution Sales Director, responsible for distribution strategy across more than 140 countries. Before that, he served as President and COO of FinishMaster, the leading independent automotive refinish distributor in North America.

Uta Holzenkamp, President of BASF Coatings, said: “We thank Chris wholeheartedly for his strong commitment to our customers and our business at BASF Coatings. We wish him well in the future. Steve brings a rare combination of manufacturing and distribution experience at the highest level of this industry. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Steve Arndt said: “I have a deep appreciation for the strengths of this business. The technology is world-class, and the company has built strong, enduring customer relationships. There is a lot we can achieve together.”