Simon Franko (53), born in Ljubljana, is a chemical engineer by profession, with more than 28 years of leadership experience in international environment. His 25 years long career in German BASF, the largest chemical company in the world, is related to various positions within the Coatings Division, including Managing Director roles of BASF Coatings Services in Slovenia (Novo mesto, Revoz site) and Romania (Dacia site). Account Manager of Renault for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) was Franko’s position before he took a position of Managing Director in three countries – BASF Slovenija, BASF Croatia and BASF Srbija in 2016.

Simon Franko is the first Slovene who took on the Managing Director role of BASF’s representation in the country. Early in his career, he worked three years for the company Helios. Alongside the Slovene and Serbo-Croatian languages, Franko is in command of French, English, German and Spanish.

Simon believes that management, and business in general, is much more than just profit or GDP growth – living by the values we believe in will create wellbeing and more optimistic workplaces for all. Sustainability in business is one of his first priorities and is important to him at a very deep and personal level, as well. It is one of his long-term focuses, whether it is about sustaining resources, business growth or the planet that sustains us. He believes that we must strive to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Simon is very curious, believing in long life learning and growth mindset, especially interested to fields of natural sciences, AI and sci-fiction.

About sustainability, as well some other topics, is occasionally lecturing at IEDC Business school of Bled, Gea College and Pegasus foundation, as well as many business conferences.

Solving complex challenges and developing new business ideas in diverse environments is his true passion. He successfully developed new businesses and oversaw their implementation in various countries, such as Slovenia, Romania, Iran, Russia, Morocco, and many more.