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Erich Wesjohann & family
Rank #623
GERMANY•Food & Beverage•Poultry genetics

Erich Wesjohann & family

Net Worth
$6.472B
0% (24h)
Erich Wesjohann, at 80 years old, is the chairman of the EW Group, a global leader in poultry genetics and breeding. His career began in 1962 as an apprentice in the family's agricultural business. Through strategic vision and leadership, Wesjohann transformed a family venture, established in 1928, into a dominant force in the poultry industry. The Wesjohann family's wealth source is poultry genetics, and their estimated net worth is $5.7 billion as of June 7, 2024. The EW Group has a significant impact on global food security and animal welfare through its innovative breeding programs.

How to read Erich Wesjohann & family's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Erich Wesjohann & family, we anchor the narrative to Poultry genetics and Poultry genetics, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $6.472B alongside global rank #623, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (GERMANY) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Erich Wesjohann started his career in 1962 as an apprentice in his family's agricultural business, which included a hatchery. In 1987, Erich and his brother Paul-Heinz took over the Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe. In 1998, the brothers split the company.

Rise to Success: The EW Group

In 1999, Erich Wesjohann founded the EW Group, focusing on poultry breeding, genetics, and related activities. Under his leadership, EW Group became a global leader in the poultry industry, with over 300 subsidiaries worldwide. Key acquisitions and expansions, such as the acquisition of Aviagen in 2005, significantly bolstered the company's global presence. EW Group has a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Key Business Strategies

The EW Group's success is rooted in its focus on animal and plant breeding, animal health, and diagnostics. The company emphasizes research and development to drive innovation in genetics, nutrition, and health. A commitment to sustainability and animal welfare is also central to its operations. The company's structure allows for independent management through its subsidiaries, empowering them with full responsibility for their strategic and operational leadership.

Philanthropy

While specific details about Erich Wesjohann's philanthropy are not readily available in the search results, it is known that the family supports agriculture and food security. The Heinz-Lohmann Foundation was initiated by the Wesjohann brothers.

Career Timeline

1999

Founded EW Group

Founded EW Group after splitting from the Lohmann-Wesjohann-Group.

1987

Took over Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe

Took over Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe with his brother Paul-Heinz.

1962

Apprentice

Started career as an apprentice in the family's agricultural business.

Philanthropic Impact

Agriculture and food securityNot available

Heinz-Lohmann Foundation

Foundation initiated by the brothers, Paul-Heinz and Erich Wesjohann.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Aviagen——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Erich Wesjohann started his career in 1962 as an apprentice in his family's agricultural business, which included a hatchery. In 1987, Erich and his brother Paul-Heinz took over the Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe. In 1998, the brothers split the company.

Rise to Success: The EW Group

In 1999, Erich Wesjohann founded the EW Group, focusing on poultry breeding, genetics, and related activities. Under his leadership, EW Group became a global leader in the poultry industry, with over 300 subsidiaries worldwide. Key acquisitions and expansions, such as the acquisition of Aviagen in 2005, significantly bolstered the company's global presence. EW Group has a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Key Business Strategies

The EW Group's success is rooted in its focus on animal and plant breeding, animal health, and diagnostics. The company emphasizes research and development to drive innovation in genetics, nutrition, and health. A commitment to sustainability and animal welfare is also central to its operations. The company's structure allows for independent management through its subsidiaries, empowering them with full responsibility for their strategic and operational leadership.

Philanthropy

While specific details about Erich Wesjohann's philanthropy are not readily available in the search results, it is known that the family supports agriculture and food security. The Heinz-Lohmann Foundation was initiated by the Wesjohann brothers.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Erich Wesjohann & family are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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