Industry veteran Klaus-Michael Kühne has passed away at the age of 89, in Switzerland.

The honorary chairman of the board of directors with international logistics business Kuehne+Nagel is being mourned by the logistics community and remembered for his legacy.

Kühne joined the family business in 1958 - the business was founded in Germany in 1890 - and became chairman of the management board of Kuehne+Nagel Speditions-Aktiengesellschaft in 1966.

In 1975 he was named chief executive officer of the business, and from 1992 until 2011 served as chairman of the board of directors.

Kühne took up the role of honorary chairman of the board of directors in 2011.

Kuehne+Nagel states that throughout his distinguished career, Kühne played a pioneering role in shaping global trade and made a lasting contribution to modern logistics and the development of today’s global supply chains.

“With the passing of Klaus-Michael, we have lost a visionary, a great entrepreneur and an extraordinary personality,” says Dr Joerg Wolle, chairman of the board of directors of Kuehne+Nagel.

Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel, adds: “The news of Klaus-Michael Kühne’s passing has deeply saddened us all. Klaus-Michael Kühne embodied logistics and global trade like no other. On behalf of the Management Board and the employees of Kuehne+Nagel, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”

In a LinkedIn post, the company states: “With deep sadness and profound gratitude, we reflect on a life that shaped Kuehne+Nagel and inspired generations”.

“Through his vision, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment, he left a lasting mark on our company, our industry and countless people around the world.

“We honour his extraordinary legacy and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.”