Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Robert Toennies
Global Rank
#2780

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Toennies

CEO, Premium Food Group
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.2B
As of December 2025
Age
47
Source
Meat processing
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Robert Tönnies is a German billionaire best known for his 50% ownership of the Premium Food Group (formerly Tönnies Lebensmittel), a leading meat processing company. His wealth stems from the meat industry, specifically the slaughtering and processing of pork and beef. His career began in 1971 when his father Bernd and uncle Clemens co-founded the company. As of December 4, 2025, his net worth is $1.2 billion. Tönnies has also been involved in controversies related to the company's operations.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Robert Tönnies inherited his stake in Tönnies Lebensmittel after his father, Bernd Tönnies, passed away in 1994. The company was founded in 1971 by Bernd and his brother Clemens. Robert, along with his brother, inherited 60% of the shares after his father's death.

Rise to Success

Robert Tönnies serves on the board of advisors for the Premium Food Group. The company, now operating as the Premium Food Group (PFG), has grown into one of Europe's largest meat processing groups, with an annual revenue of around $6 billion. It specializes in processing pork and beef. The Tönnies brand, globally recognized for high-quality meat, continues to be associated with the meat-production business unit within the PFG.

Key Business Strategies

The company is expanding into various fields along the value chain and focusing on sustainability, climate protection, and animal welfare. The Premium Food Group is a diversified food producer and is the market leader in the organic sector. Robert, along with his brother and uncle, have expanded the company's operations internationally and continue to adapt to consumer needs.

Philanthropy

I am sorry, but I was unable to find any information on specific philanthropy amounts or initiatives associated with Robert Toennies.

Career Milestones

1971

Co-founding of Tönnies Lebensmittel

Robert's father, Bernd, and uncle, Clemens, co-founded the company.

1994

Inherited Stake in Tönnies

Robert inherited his stake in Tönnies Lebensmittel after his father's death.

2017

Ownership Dispute Settlement

Settled a dispute with his uncle Clemens over ownership stakes in the company.

2025

Rebranding to Premium Food Group

The Tönnies Group will operate at the holding level under the name Premium Food Group (PFG) starting in 2025.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Ownership Dispute

Fought in court with Clemens for several years, eventually settling their dispute over the ownership of stakes in the company.

2019

Dispute over Expansion

Disagreements with his uncle Clemens over the company's expansion into China.

2020

Criticism of Management

Criticized the company's management and board due to the handling of a COVID-19 outbreak at the company's slaughterhouse.