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Billionaire Profile
Paul-Heinz Wesjohann & family
Global Rank
#948

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann & family

CEO, PHW Group
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$4B
As of December 2025
Age
82
Source
Chicken processing
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann, at 82 years old, is the chairman and namesake of the PHW Group, a German family-owned business and a leading entity in the poultry industry. With a net worth of $4.0 billion, Wesjohann's wealth stems from his involvement in chicken processing. His career began in the family business, founded in 1932, and he played a pivotal role in expanding the company into one of the largest poultry processors in Germany and a significant player in Europe. Wesjohann's leadership has been instrumental in the company's growth, marked by a commitment to innovation and diversification, including ventures into plant-based products. His achievements include building the PHW Group into a major force in the food industry and expanding into alternative protein sources.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann was born in Rechterfeld, Germany, on May 25, 1943. After attending a trade school in Osnabrück, he began his career at the age of 16 in his father's agricultural business. He trained as a merchant and later specialized in poultry farming.

Rise to Success

Wesjohann, along with his brother Erich, played a key role in the family business, which was established in 1932 by their father. They took over the Lohmann-Wesjohann-Gruppe in 1987. The brothers split the company in 1998. Paul-Heinz then founded the PHW Group, focusing on poultry processing. The company's primary brand is Wiesenhof, the largest poultry processor in Germany.

Key Business Strategies

Wesjohann's leadership has been marked by growth and diversity. The PHW Group expanded by taking over competitors and entering international markets. The company also entered into alternative protein sources, including partnerships for plant-based products like Beyond Meat. The PHW Group has more than 45 subsidiaries.

Philanthropy

Wesjohann established the Heinz Lohmann Foundation. The foundation focuses on future questions of nutrition. The foundation's symposia are considered as important future events of the food industry.

Career Milestones

1932

Foundation of the family business

Paul Wesjohann, father of Paul-Heinz, founded a small agricultural trade business with a hatchery in Rechterfeld

1965

Joint chicken hatchery

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann and his brother Erich took executive positions at the business

1998

Founding of PHW Group

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann founded the PHW Group and became the chairman

2009

CEO position

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann handed over the CEO position to his son Peter Wesjohann

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Research

Heinz Lohmann Foundation

Undisclosed

The foundation focuses on future questions of nutrition. The foundation's symposia are considered as important future events of the food industry

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Our future essentially depends on our nutrition.""

Leadership Principles

Growth through diversity

The company's strategy, reflecting a commitment to innovation, new standards, and adapting to market changes

Sustainability

The company is committed to sustainability and offers high-quality poultry products and plant-based alternatives for a balanced diet

Controversies & Challenges

2011

Animal Welfare Allegations

Paul-Heinz Wesjohann faced criticism and controversy due to accusations of animal cruelty, exploitation of workers, and subsidy fraud