Within three years of joining BASF’s legal department Helen Koerner was appointed company secretary and de facto head of legal for its northern European operations. Koerner qualified in 2001 and started out her career as a property specialist. She joined BASF’s legal department in 2004 to manage its property portfolio but was soon taking on a much broader role within the company.

Koerner’s arrival at the company has coincided with a period of rapid expansion and restructuring, allowing her the opportunity to shine.