Rethmann family

The Rethmann family is one of Germany’s wealthiest and best-known due primarily to their ownership stake in parent corporation Rethmann SE & Co. KG. The parent group controls some of Europe’s leading business ventures in areas such as water treatment, agriculture and food production and transport logistics. The company began when Josef Rethmann took over a rail freight forwarding company and a haulage company in Selm in 1934. The emerging business received a city-wide tender in 1959, which led to the formation of the Remondis Group. Two years later, 32-year-old Norbert Rethmann took over the management of the family business. It was Norbert who expanded the company’s interests into bio-industries with the 1977 acquisition of Gebrüder Schaap KG. In 1992, Norbert wanted to ensure the company would remain family-owned and controlled, so he transferred nearly all of the company’s shares to his four sons. Norbert remained connected through his service on the supervisory board. Norbert Rethmann turned his attention from corporate to community leadership when he served as Mayor of Kobrow beginning in 1999. The Rethmann family continues to lead the family business well into the 21st century. Martin Rethmann currently serves as Chairman of the Board, while Klemens Rethmann holds the position of CEO.