Careers
A friendship that crosses continents
Marion and Bhavna both work at BASF – today in Ludwigshafen, in different departments, but with a shared story. Marion works in the Nutrition & Health department. Bhavna works in Corporate Communications. They did not meet in Ludwigshafen, but in Kuala Lumpur, where both of them were working for BASF at the time. What began as a professional connection quickly developed into a friendship that has lasted to this day – across countries and continents.
From Kuala Lumpur to Ludwigshafen
"That was actually the first day we consciously did something together," Marion recalls.
From the very first meeting, it was clear:
The two get along well. A shared hike, a spontaneous plan to go out for dinner, lots of conversations – and immediately the feeling of being on the same wavelength. "We laughed a lot, the conversations felt easy, and we immediately felt comfortable," Bhavna says.
"We laughed a lot, the conversations flowed easily, and we immediately felt comfortable."
Aligned in life and at work
What connects Marion and Bhavna goes beyond shared experiences:
Both are deeply engaged with topics such as leadership, personal development, and the question of how to grow both individually and together with others. At BASF, Marion leads a team driving the digitalization of business processes, while Bhavna heads the Corporate Brand team. Bhavna and Marion lean on each other not only professionally, but also personally, supporting one another as sparring partners, sources of inspiration, and close friends.
"Bhavna keeps showing me what is possible at BASF when you stay open and are willing to think beyond your own perspective," Marion says.
"Food was a shared language from the very beginning."
More than just a shared workplace
For Marion, Bhavna is also a connection to her second home, Malaysia, where she lived for some time. Today, their friendship spans two countries and different continents – shaped by closeness, trust, and shared values.
Both agree:
Friendships grow where people share similar values and shape their lives in a similar way.
BASF connects – through people
BASF brings together people from different countries, cultures, and walks of life.
For Bhavna and Marion, their story shows that at BASF, more than just collaboration can emerge.
Alongside many other friendships they have built within the company, their connection is an example of how work can bring people together in a very personal way.
Watch the full interview:
BASF connects – through people
BASF brings together people from different countries, cultures, and walks of life. For Bhavna and Marion, their story shows that at BASF, more than just collaboration can emerge. Alongside many other friendships they have built within the company, their connection is an example of how work can bring people together in a very personal way.
In the full interview, Marion and Bhavna share how their friendship began and how it continues to shape their professional growth.
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