Dr. Axel Claus Heitmann

Axel Claus Heitmann was born on October 2, 1959 in Hamburg, Germany. 

He studied chemistry at Hamburg University and the University of Southampton (United Kingdom), obtaining a doctorate in natural science in 1988.  He joined Bayer in 1989 where he entered the post-graduate trainee program.  Between 1989 and 1991 he held various positions in the Central Research Division, and in the Applications Development and Manufacturing sections of the Rubber Business Group.

Following two years as a Plant Manager, he transferred to Bayer plc in the United Kingdom as Manager of the Rubber Business Group's Bromsgrove site.  In 1996 Heitmann was appointed Head of Manufacturing and Technology at PolymerLatex, the then newly formed joint venture between Bayer AG and Degussa AG.  From March 1999 to January 31, 2002, Mr Heitmann was Head of the Wolff Walsrode Business Group, a Bayer subsidiary.  He was then appointed General Manager of the Rubber Business Group at Bayer AG.  In July 2002, he became a member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience.

On September 16, 2004, Axel Claus Heitmann was appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of LANXESS AG.

Mr Heitmann is married and has two children.