Daniel Kaesmayr is a highly experienced innovation management professional in the chemical industry, with a specialty in early-stage innovation and pushing the boundaries of the status quo. With a strong focus on developing networks and communities, Daniel plays both top-down and bottom-up cards, remaining a corporate rebel.

As a Principal Scientist for "Scouting, Networks and Ideation" he is currently working in the Community Management & Ideation team at BASF SE. His current focus is on strengthening BASF's capability to manage and leverage communities in R&D and innovation, nurturing the community of scouts and innovators, promoting new ways of working and supporting culture change towards more agility, self-empowerment and people-positivity, besides growing the internal ideation platform.

With a PhD in Polymer Chemistry/Biochemistry from the Technical University of Munich, Daniel has a strong academic background that complements his practical experience in the industry. He is also a hands-on self-trained programmer and likes to explore new technologies like generative AI.