The foundation of Ramkumar Dhruva’s success was laid early through a rigorous academic journey rooted in curiosity and discipline. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in 1988 and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry in 1990 from Guru Nanak College, Chennai, where his exceptional academic performance earned him second rank at the university level during his postgraduate studies.
Driven by a passion for advanced research, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 1996, specializing in Organic Synthesis, Photochemistry, and Electrochemistry. His doctoral work gained international recognition, culminating in the prestigious ‘Best Project Presentation’ award in Colloid Science from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, in 1997—an early signal of his global potential.
Recognising that leadership in science-driven industries requires more than technical expertise, Ramkumar Dhruva further strengthened his profile by completing the Management Development Program at IIM Ahmedabad in 2002, equipping himself with strategic and organisational leadership skills.
Ramkumar Dhruva: Entering BASF – From Research Chemist to Global Executive
Soon after completing his PhD, Ramkumar Dhruva joined BASF in 1996 as a research and development chemist in the Polymer Dispersions Laboratory at BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Immersed in one of the world’s most advanced industrial research ecosystems, he quickly distinguished himself through scientific rigor, cross-functional collaboration, and an ability to translate laboratory breakthroughs into commercial value.
His early years at BASF included roles such as Deputy Plant Manager and Product Development Manager in Germany, where he gained hands-on experience across manufacturing, innovation, and operational excellence. These formative roles shaped his holistic understanding of the chemical value chain—from molecular design to market impact.
Leadership in India and Asia Pacific: Building Businesses and People
A pivotal chapter in Ramkumar Dhruva’s career unfolded when he returned to India, taking on commercial and leadership roles that bridged global strategy with regional execution. His appointment as Chief Executive Officer of BASF Coatings (India) Pvt. Ltd. from 2005 to 2008 marked a significant milestone.
Under his leadership, BASF Coatings India strengthened its market presence, expanded customer partnerships, and enhanced operational performance. His success led to broader regional responsibilities, and between 2008 and 2012, he served as Regional Vice President, Automotive and Industrial Coatings, Asia Pacific, overseeing complex, multicultural markets across the region.
In 2012, Ramkumar Dhruva was appointed Senior Vice President, Polyurethanes, Asia Pacific, followed by his role as Senior Vice President, Monomers, Asia Pacific from 2013 to 2018. In these positions, he led businesses spanning India, China, Japan, Korea, ASEAN countries, and South Asia, managing teams of over 1,200 professionals and steering large-scale strategic growth.
Ramkumar Dhruva: President, Global Monomers Division – A Defining Leadership Role
Today, Ramkumar Dhruva serves as the President of the Global Monomers Division at BASF, based at the BASF Belgium Coordination Center in Waterloo. In this role, he holds responsibility for global operations, strategy, innovation, and sustainability across one of BASF’s most critical value chains.
His leadership has been instrumental in advancing fossil-free feedstocks, carbon footprint transparency, and sustainable monomer solutions, aligning BASF’s business objectives with global climate goals. Rather than viewing sustainability as a constraint, Ramkumar Dhruva has consistently positioned it as a competitive advantage—driving innovation, resilience, and long-term value creation.
Board-Level Influence and Industry Representation
Beyond operational leadership, Ramkumar Dhruva plays a vital role in shaping governance and industry standards. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of BASF India Limited, contributing strategic oversight and a global perspective.
Over the years, he has also:
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Served on multiple Boards of Directors
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Acted as Global Key Account Manager for leading brands such as Tata and Jaguar
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Represented BASF at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
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Participated as an invited member of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) CED 41 Committee, contributing to national standards for waterproofing materials
These roles reflect his deep commitment to industry collaboration, regulatory excellence, and sustainable development.
Recognition
In recognition of his outstanding professional journey and contributions to industry and society, IIT Madras and its alumni community have proudly honoured Ramkumar Dhruva.