Weinheim, October 2, 2026. Dr. Wolfram Freudenberg passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 85. A fifth-generation member of the founding family, he served as Chairman of the Board of Partners of Freudenberg & Co. from 2005 to 2014. From 2012 to 2014, he also served concurrently as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Freudenberg SE.
Wolfram Freudenberg spent a significant part of his professional career at Deutsche Bank. At Germany’s leading financial institution, he held management positions in Frankfurt, Offenbach and Stuttgart. From 1987 to 1995, he served as President of the Stuttgart Stock Exchange. From 1995 until his retirement in 2003, he was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Württembergische Insurance Group.
Apart from a brief interruption, he was a member of the Board of Partners of the Freudenberg Group from 1975 to 2014, serving as its Chairman from 2005 onwards.
“During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Partners, Wolfram Freudenberg always saw his role as a vital link between the family and the company. He focused on advancing the company’s organizational, legal and strategic development, work from which we continue to benefit today. This included the FOKUS 2.0 project, through which the Freudenberg Group strengthened its innovative capabilities, efficiency and the entrepreneurial responsibility of its Business Groups. The developments he championed also included the legal restructuring of the company and the establishment of Freudenberg SE,” said Mathias Thielen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Partners, in recognition of Wolfram Freudenberg’s contribution. “We will remember Wolfram Freudenberg with deep appreciation and gratitude.”
During the global financial crisis from 2007 to 2009, the economist and political scientist, who held a doctoral degree, drew on his extensive experience and expertise in the financial sector for the benefit of the company. As Chairman of the Board of Partners, he also established important foundations for the company’s human resources management. Under his leadership, a new governance framework was introduced that clearly defined the future employment of members of the founding family within the company.
Wolfram Freudenberg served on the supervisory and administrative boards of various companies. His commitment to Civic responsibility continued well into his retirement and was reflected, among other things, in his charitable work for the Freudenberg Foundation.
We will remember him with gratitude. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife, Eike Freudenberg, as well as to his children and their families.
Freudenberg & Co.
Partners, Board of Partners, Board of Management and employees
