Client Study
Monday, April 27
09:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Live in Frankfurt
Less Details
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a niche capability — it’s becoming a pervasive force redefining the European chemical industry. The fusion of machine learning, large-scale knowledge models, and emerging agentic AI systems is accelerating innovation, stabilizing complex operations, and safeguarding critical expertise for the future. In this session, Microsoft and BASF showcase how AI delivers measurable impact on time-to-market, product quality, operational resilience, and workforce capability. Learn how a coordinated strategy across business, IT, and AI unlocks competitive advantage — and how Europe’s chemical leaders are turning AI potential into tangible industrial transformation. In this session, you will learn:
Wolfgang is recognized by his customers and colleagues for his entrepreneurial leadership spirit, his customer dedication and his deep insight into the Life Science industry and their respective customer base (Payer, Provider, Manufacturing, etc.). He has successfully sold to and advised CxOs on his various large-scale transformational engagements with clients across all major regions (Europe, Americas, Asia and Middle East). His project successes are proof to his ability to formulate compelling industry strategies, team and engage with his customers and deliver measurable results.
Christian Klettner is the Senior Vice President Digitalization of Production and Technology at BASF SE in Ludwigshafen, Germany, where he has led the company’s global digital transformation in manufacturing since June 2025. Born in Speyer in 1980, he holds a Diplom-Ingenieur degree in Automation Technology from Technische Hochschule Mannheim. Over more than two decades at BASF, he advanced from early roles in process control and industrial communication to international leadership positions, including Senior Automation Manager for BASF’s Smart Manufacturing program in Germany, Director of Engineering and Maintenance in South America, and Vice President IOU Operations at the Zhanjiang Verbund Site in China.
Dr. Michael Schymura is the Global Client Director for BASF at Microsoft, where he leads the executive relationship and guides BASF’s digitalization and AI journey as a trusted advisor. With more than a decade of experience across economics, data science, digital transformation, and strategic management, he combines deep analytical expertise with hands-on leadership. Before joining Microsoft, he served as Head of Corporate Digital Development at BASF, shaping the company’s digital roadmap and driving innovation across business units. Earlier roles at BASF included senior positions in economic evaluations and data science, building on his academic background as a PhD economist with research stays at Yale and UC Berkeley focused on renewable energy. Known for his energetic, customer-centric approach, Schymura brings a unique blend of technical insight, strategic vision, and communication strength to advancing digital transformation at global scale.