German logistics boss Klaus-Michael Kühne dies at 89

German logistics boss Klaus-Michael Kühne died in Switzerland overnight at the age of 89, according to a statement issued by global shipping company Kühne+Nagel on Monday. 

Hamburg-born Kühne headed the transport and logistics group for decades, having taken over the business from his father. 

He expanded the medium-sized family business into a global group with more than 1,300 branches in just under 100 countries and around 88,000 employees.

"With the death of Klaus-Michael, we have lost a visionary, a great entrepreneur and a remarkable individual. Our thoughts are with his widow, Christine Kühne," said Jörg Wolle, chairman of the board of Kühne+Nagel International, in the statement. 

Kühne joined the family business in 1958 and became board chairman of the road transport section in 1966. He became chief executive of Kühne+Nagel International in 1975, then board chairman from 1992 to 2011 and later honorary chairman.

Kühne also invested around €1 billion ($1.16 billion) in Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd and played a key role in ensuring that the long-established shipping company could remain in the city.

During the pandemic, he benefited from high dividends as freight rates soared. Kühne was also a major shareholder in Lufthansa.

Kühne, who did not have any children, supported cultural life in Hamburg through foundations, donating millions of euros to the city's Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and founding a logistics university in the city. 

He was also known for his involvement with Bundesliga football club Hamburg. In retirement, Kühne also commissioned the construction of The Fontenay, a luxury hotel in the city.