Christoph Franz

Christoph Franz. Christoph Franz is a prominent German business executive, best known for his transformative leadership as the Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and his current role as Chairman of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding AG. His career is distinguished by strategic turnarounds in major European corporations, navigating complex challenges in the global aviation industry and the life sciences sector. Franz is widely regarded for his operational expertise and his commitment to innovation and corporate governance.

Early life and education

Born in Wiesbaden, he spent part of his youth in Libya and Saudi Arabia due to his father's work. He completed his secondary education in Germany before pursuing higher studies in business administration. Franz earned a degree in business administration from the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar. He later completed his doctorate in economics at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, where his dissertation focused on strategic management within the automotive industry.

Career at Lufthansa

He joined Deutsche Lufthansa AG in 1990, holding various management positions in logistics and corporate strategy. Franz played a key role in the development of Lufthansa Cargo and later served as the head of Lufthansa Passage Airlines. In 2003, he was appointed to the Executive Board with responsibility for passenger business, overseeing brands like Lufthansa, SWISS International Air Lines, and Austrian Airlines. He became Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO in 2011, succeeding Wolfgang Mayrhuber. His tenure was marked by navigating the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, implementing a major restructuring program dubbed "SCORE" to improve profitability, and integrating the full acquisition of Brussels Airlines. He also oversaw significant fleet modernization with orders for aircraft like the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A350.

Role at Deutsche Bahn

After leaving Deutsche Lufthansa AG in 2014, he was appointed Chairman of the Management Board of Deutsche Bahn AG in 2017. His mandate focused on addressing profound operational and structural challenges at the state-owned railway company. Key priorities included modernizing the aging rail infrastructure, improving punctuality on the ICE network, and managing large-scale projects like the Stuttgart 21 development. He also initiated a major digital transformation strategy and worked to stabilize the company's financial position amidst intense political scrutiny from the German federal government and public debate.

Other positions and memberships

He has held significant roles in corporate governance beyond his executive positions. Since 2014, he has served on the Board of Directors of Roche Holding AG, becoming its Chairman in 2021, succeeding Fritz Gerber. In this role, he guides the Basel-based company's strategy in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, overseeing research into areas like oncology and neuroscience. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Zurich Insurance Group. Previously, he served as a Supervisory Board member for Continental AG and Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. He is a member of the International Advisory Board of Allianz SE.

Personal life

He is married and maintains a residence in Kronberg im Taunus. Known for a discreet private life, his interests include classical music and history. He is a supporter of cultural institutions and has been involved with the Städel Museum in Frankfurt. An avid runner, he has completed several marathons. He holds both German and Swiss citizenship.

Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:German businesspeople Category:German chief executives Category:People from Wiesbaden