Klaus-Michael Kühne, a pivotal figure in international trade and modern logistics, passed away in the night to this Monday at the age of 89 in Schindellegi, Switzerland. The Board of Directors, the Executive Board, and the employees of Kühne+Nagel International AG expressed their profound grief.
Dr. Jörg Wolle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kühne+Nagel International AG, honoured Mr. Kühne as a visionary, a great entrepreneur, and an impressive personality. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire company, he extended his deepest condolences to his widow, Christine Kühne, and assured that Klaus-Michael Kühne would be held in high esteem.
Influential Career in the Logistics Industry
Klaus-Michael Kühne joined the family business Kühne+Nagel in 1958. His career was marked by continuous responsibility and leadership in the industry. In 1966, he took over as Chairman of the Management Board of Kühne+Nagel Speditions-Aktiengesellschaft. From 1975, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Kühne+Nagel International AG.
From 1992 to 2011, he held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors and had been Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2011. His long-standing work not only significantly shaped global trade but also played a decisive role in developing modern logistics and the structure of today's global supply chains.
Impact on Global Trade and Logistics
Stefan Paul, CEO of Kühne+Nagel International AG, expressed his deepest condolences to the relatives on behalf of the Executive Board and the employees. He emphasised that Klaus-Michael Kühne represented logistics and global trade like few others, and the news of his death evoked deep sadness. Kühne+Nagel's role as an actor in global real estate logistics is significantly influenced by the structures created by Mr Kühne.
