Marcelo Lu is the President of BASF Canada, a subsidiary of BASF – the world’s leading chemical company, combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Marcelo provides strategic oversight on all business activities within Canada, leading a team of 1200+ employees working to bring BASF’s purpose to life: “We create chemistry for a sustainable future”. In 2018, BASF Canada had sales of over CAD 2 billion.

Marcelo puts a spotlight on BASF as a sustainability leader in Canada, driving thought leadership, promoting a circular economy and advocating innovation, digitalization and smart regulation for sustainable solutions in Canadian business. Marcelo spearheads sustainability-focused initiatives including BASF’s environmental partnership with Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider; and the Canadian chapter of the UN Global Compact, actioning BASF’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He fosters relationship building with Indigenous businesses and communities, championing a new solar installation project in the Hiawatha First Nation community in Ontario.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Marcelo leads the focus on faster, more agile operations and driving opportunities to collaborate with startups. He supports engaging and building millennial leadership and BASF Canada’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, contributing to the company’s recognition as a Top Employer and Great Place to Work.

Originally from Brazil, Marcelo lived and worked in the US, France, Spain, Germany, and Hong Kong before moving to Canada. Previously, Marcelo was Vice President of Business Management for BASF‘s Polyamides and Precursors division in the Asia Pacific region. Throughout his career he has worked towards integrating sustainability into business strategies and procurement practices while holding various positions within BASF Group. Before joining BASF, Marcelo held several consulting positions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank.

Marcelo currently serves as Chair of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), steering the association to focus on industry growth. He is a member of the Business Council of Canada and board member to the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Marcelo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). He is married with two children.