Kuehne+Nagel confirmed that Kühne passed away overnight in Schindellegi, Switzerland.

His influence extended far beyond the logistics group that carried his family name.

Kühne joined the family business in 1958 and went on to play a decisive role in transforming Kuehne+Nagel into one of the world’s largest logistics companies. He served as CEO and later Chairman, remaining Honorary Chairman of the group from 2011.

His footprint in global shipping was equally significant.

Through Kühne Holding and Kühne Maritime, he became one of the anchor shareholders of Hapag-Lloyd, holding a 30% stake in the German container shipping giant. His involvement was particularly important during Hapag-Lloyd’s critical restructuring period, when he helped keep the carrier anchored in Hamburg.

Kühne also built major investments outside shipping, including a 20% voting stake in Lufthansa, as well as holdings in Brenntag and Flix.

Few individual investors have had such a lasting influence across freight forwarding, container shipping and European transport.

An era in global logistics has come to an end.

RIP Klaus-Michael Kühne, 1937–2026.