Michael Schmidt

Mr. Michael Schmidt, Chairman of the Management Board of BP EUROPA SE, spoke on the topic of "Efficiency without limits - BP Europa SE".

BP Europa SE is the new European public limited company of the BP Group. It was founded on April 30, 2010 through the merger of the BP national companies in Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria and Poland with Deutsche BP AG. BP (Switzerland) AG was integrated into BP Europa SE in April 2011. BP Europa SE is not a holding structure, but a company with operations in six countries. Business in the countries of the merged companies is conducted through branches. The company's registered office is in Hamburg and its head office is in Bochum. The formation of BP Europa SE will significantly simplify the legal structures, corporate governance and financial and tax processes. The company currently has around 9,600 employees and generated sales of EUR 64.5 billion in 2013. The energy company's product range includes the BP, Aral, Castrol and Gasolin brands. In addition to oil and lubricants, BP also trades in gas and electricity in Germany.

Mr. Michael Schmidt studied business administration at the University of Münster. He then worked as a controller and general manager in various divisions at BASF. In 1998, he moved to Veba Oel AG, where he became Head of Central Controlling and Business Administration. One year later, he took over the commercial management of the Gelsenkirchen refinery. In 2000, he also joined the management of what is now BP Refining & Petrochemicals GmbH (BP RP) as Commercial Director. With effect from August 1, 2005, he was appointed to the Management Board of Deutsche BP AG as Labour Director with responsibility for Human Resources. Two years later, the BP Group appointed him Vice President Human Resources Europe in addition to his previous functions. After BP Europa SE was founded in 2010, Michael Schmidt remained Chief Human Resources Officer and Managing Director of several subsidiaries. Michael Schmidt has been Chairman of the Management Board of BP Europa SE since May 1, 2012.

Status: Beginning of 2015