Carsten Spohr is a prominent German airline executive, serving as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deutsche Lufthansa AG since May 1, 2014. He leads the Lufthansa Group, a global aviation conglomerate encompassing over 100,000 employees and approximately 300 subsidiaries worldwide .
Born on December 16, 1966, in Wanne-Eickel, Germany, Spohr pursued industrial engineering at the University of Karlsruhe (now part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). He furthered his aviation expertise by obtaining a commercial pilot’s license at Lufthansa Flight Training in Bremen and the Airline Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Spohr continues to hold a captain’s license for the Airbus A320 family.
Spohr joined Lufthansa in 1994, initially managing central personnel marketing. He then served as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Executive Board until 1998, when he took responsibility for Lufthansa’s regional partnerships in Europe. In 2000, he became head of alliance management, overseeing global cooperation partners, including the Star Alliance. Spohr’s roles expanded to include passenger strategy and passenger shareholdings.
In October 2004, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Passenger Airlines, overseeing hub management and cabin crew. He became Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG in January 2007, and in 2011, he joined the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, leading the Lufthansa Passage Executive Board.
Under Spohr’s leadership, Lufthansa has navigated significant challenges, including the Germanwings Flight 9525 disaster in 2015 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Spohr has been recognized for his crisis management and strategic direction, steering the company through turbulent periods . In 2024, he received The Wings Club Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to aviation.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Hometown
Born on December 16, 1966, in Wanne-Eickel, West Germany, Carsten Spohr hails from a region rich in industrial heritage.
Academic Background
Spohr pursued industrial engineering at the University of Karlsruhe (now part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), graduating in 1991. His academic foundation was complemented by a commercial pilot’s license obtained through Lufthansa Flight Training in Bremen and the Airline Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He continues to hold a captain’s license for the Airbus A320 family.
Professional Journey
Early Career
After completing his pilot training, Spohr joined Deutsche Aerospace AG in 1994 as part of its management training program. This experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles at Lufthansa.
Ascension at Lufthansa
Spohr’s tenure at Lufthansa began in 1994, where he initially managed central personnel marketing. Between 1995 and 1998, he served as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Executive Board. His responsibilities expanded to include regional partnerships, alliance management, and passenger strategy. In 2007, he was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG, and in 2011, he joined the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, overseeing the Lufthansa Passage Executive Board.
Leadership as CEO
On May 1, 2014, Spohr succeeded Christoph Franz as CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. During his leadership, Lufthansa faced significant challenges, including labor strikes and the financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spohr’s strategic decisions, such as the expansion of the low-cost airline Germanwings, have been pivotal in navigating these crises.
Achievements and Recognition
Industry Leadership
Spohr’s leadership has been instrumental in Lufthansa’s recovery and growth. Under his guidance, the airline has implemented digital transformation initiatives and expanded its global network. In 2024, he received The Wings Club Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to aviation.
Corporate Governance
Beyond his role at Lufthansa, Spohr serves on various corporate boards, including Munich Re, Lufthansa Technik, and ThyssenKrupp. His involvement in these organizations underscores his influence in the global business community.
Net Worth and Compensation
As of 2025, Carsten Spohr’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. His annual compensation as CEO of Lufthansa is reported to be €6.23 million, comprising salary and performance-based bonuses.
Personal Life
Family
Carsten Spohr is married to Vivian Alexandra Spohr, who heads Lufthansa’s Help Alliance, managing aid projects in various countries. The couple has two daughters and resides in Munich, Germany.
Recent Incident Involving Vivian Spohr
In July 2025, Vivian Alexandra Spohr was involved in a tragic incident in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, where she struck and killed a 24-year-old woman, Gaia Costa, at a pedestrian crossing. Vivian reportedly did not realize the collision initially and was later stopped by bystanders. She tested negative for alcohol and drugs, and authorities are investigating potential driver distraction. Vivian has expressed deep regret and is cooperating with the investigation.
Conclusion
Carsten Spohr’s career is a testament to his dedication and strategic acumen in the aviation industry. From his early education in industrial engineering to his ascent within Lufthansa, Spohr has demonstrated leadership that has significantly impacted global aviation. While recent events involving his family have garnered attention, his professional achievements continue to define his legacy in the industry.
FAQs
What is Carsten Spohr’s educational background?
Carsten Spohr holds a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Karlsruhe and a commercial pilot’s license from Lufthansa Flight Training in Bremen and the Airline Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
When did Carsten Spohr become CEO of Lufthansa?
Carsten Spohr became the CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG on May 1, 2014.
What is Carsten Spohr’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Carsten Spohr’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million.
Who is Carsten Spohr married to?
Carsten Spohr is married to Vivian Alexandra Spohr, who heads Lufthansa’s Help Alliance.
How many children does Carsten Spohr have?
Carsten Spohr and his wife have two daughters.
What is the Help Alliance?
The Help Alliance is Lufthansa’s charitable foundation, managing aid projects in various countries, with Vivian Alexandra Spohr serving as its head.
Has Carsten Spohr received any awards?
Yes, in 2024, Carsten Spohr received The Wings Club Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award for his contributions to aviation.
What was the recent incident involving Vivian Alexandra Spohr?
In July 2025, Vivian Alexandra Spohr was involved in a tragic incident in Sardinia, where she struck and killed a 24-year-old woman at a pedestrian crossing.
Is Carsten Spohr involved in any other organizations?
Yes, Carsten Spohr serves on the supervisory boards of Munich Re and Lufthansa Technik and has been a member of the advisory board of ThyssenKrupp.
What is Carsten Spohr’s role at Lufthansa?
Carsten Spohr is the Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, leading the global aviation group.
