Billionaire Profile
Erich Wesjohann & family
Global Rank
#619

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Erich Wesjohann & family

CEO, Poultry genetics
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.613B
Estimated based on Poultry genetics stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
80
Source
Poultry genetics
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

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.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

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 Milestones

1962

Apprentice

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

1987

Took over Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe

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

1999

Founded EW Group

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

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Agriculture and food security

Heinz-Lohmann Foundation

Not available

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

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Operational Management

Entrusting subsidiaries with full responsibility for strategic and operational leadership.

Innovation and R&D

Investing in research and development across genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, and health.

Sustainability

Reducing CO2 emissions, conserving natural resources, and protecting ecosystems.