The 89-year-old logistics mogul died on Sunday 23AUG26 in Switzerland, after a long and serious illness. He was one of the wealthiest Germans. Through Kuehne Holding, he owned 53% of the shares in Kuehne + Nagel. His fortune, worth billions, is to be transferred to a foundation.
A native of Hamburg, he built one of the world’s most successful logistics companies, which set – and continues to set – standards every day: in air freight, ocean freight, contract logistics, and the transportation industry in general. He was born on 2 June 1937, as the only child of freight agent, Alfred Kuehne, and his wife, Mercedes Kuehne. At the age of 21, he joined his father’s company, becoming a personally liable partner and co-owner, five years later. Shortly thereafter, to finance the company’s expansion plans, he listed Kuehne + Nagel on the stock exchange. Today, Kuehne + Nagel is a global company with approximately 85,000 employees at 1,300 locations in more than 100 countries. Kuehne Holding, founded in 1993, holds a majority stake in the Kuehne + Nagel Group and a 30% stake in shipping line, Hapag-Lloyd. In addition, it holds a 20% share in Deutsche Lufthansa, as well as stakes in Brenntag and Bus and Train company, Flix SE. It also owns the luxury hotel, The Fontenay, which Kuehne had built in Hamburg, and holds a 14% stake in the soccer club, Hamburger SV (HSV). By contrast, Kuehne’s investment in the now-bankrupt Signa Prime construction group, led by Austrian, René Benko, turned out to be a flop, costing him a three-digit million sum.
Forbes magazine estimated his net worth at USD 44 billion. Kuehne, who was very unpretentious and shied away from the limelight, never confirmed such figures. After all, he once said that the billions existed only on paper, in the form of the stock prices of the companies in which he holds stakes – stocks that, as a strategic investor rather than a purely financial investor, he had no intention of selling to generate quick profits.
From Hamburg to Schindeleggi
It was his father’s wish to relocate the company’s headquarters from Germany to Switzerland, primarily for tax reasons. Thanks in part to these fiscal advantages, the company was able to grow rapidly and become a global player.
Today, Kuehne + Nagel is the world’s second-largest freight forwarder, behind the Danish company, DSV, and its integration of DB Schenker, finalized on 30APR25. DHL Global Forwarding and Nippon Express rank next. “I am pleased that I was able to advance the Kuehne + Nagel company to the point where it is now among the world’s best, and is a nearly perfect logistics organization,” Kuehne told the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper, when he received the prestigious Founder’s Award for his life’s work in SEP24. Against his doctor’s advice, he traveled from the company’s headquarters in Schindeleggi, Switzerland, to Hamburg to accept the award. The prize meant a great deal to him.
The childless entrepreneur leaves behind his wife, Christine, whom he married in 1989.
The company will not be left without leadership following the death of its senior figure. In APR24, Karl Gernandt, the long-time Executive Chairman, had already handed over operational management of Kuehne + Nagel to Dominik de Daniel, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Gernandt, however, remains Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also heads the supervisory board of the shipping company Hapag-Lloyd.
Obituaries
Kuehne and Nagel
Today, we remember Klaus-Michael Kühne.
With deep sadness and profound gratitude, we reflect on a life that shaped Kuehne+Nagel and inspired generations.
Through his vision, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment, he left a lasting mark on our company, our industry and countless people around the world.
We honor his extraordinary legacy and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO Hapag-Lloyd
Klaus-Michael Kühne had a very special relationship with Hapag-Lloyd. He followed our development with extraordinary interest and great conviction and stood by the company when it needed strong and reliable shareholders. “I greatly appreciated his clear views, his passion for our industry, and his sincere interest in Hapag-Lloyd’s long-term success. His contribution to our company will never be forgotten,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG.
Hamburger SV
Hamburger Sport Verein mourns the loss of its longtime investor, supporter and donor, Klaus-Michael Kühne. “‘KMK’ was always there for HSV when the club needed him,” the club said. “HSV will honor Klaus-Michael Kühne. Our condolences and sympathy go out to his wife, Christine.” In honor of the investor, the HSV players will take the field wearing black armbands in tonight’s DFB Cup match against SV Verl, announce the sports club.
