We mourn the loss of our generous benefactor
Prof. Carl H. Hahn,
who passed away on 14.01.2023. He said goodbye to this world at the blessed age of 96 and passed away in the midst of life despite his advanced age. His creative energy was tireless and he loved his work until the end of his life – pursued it daily with great enthusiasm. His name is associated with successful and responsible, far-sighted, honorable and humane actions. He was deservedly regarded as a gentleman and citizen of the world, for whom the well-being of his employees was always an important concern. Prof. Carl Hahn sought and found contact with people of all ages and backgrounds. He possessed the great human talent of convincing them that it is worth taking the path of the demanding but often arduous – whether as “Colleague Carl” on the assembly line of Hall 54 or as an advisor to interested schoolchildren, gifted students or people in need.
In addition to his many social and sociopolitical commitments, he and his wife founded the Carl and Marisa Hahn Foundation in 2006. Based on his outstanding international experience and the resulting realization that an efficient and democratic society needs well-educated, cosmopolitan people, he initiated forward-looking educational projects. In addition, he felt a great need to help people with whom fate had not been so kind.
His humanity and friendliness made him a very special person who knew no hierarchies or rankings. His charming manner, his mischievous humor, his sovereignty and discipline, his personal modesty, loyalty and kindness will be eternally in our thoughts, memories and hearts. We are immensely grateful for the years we spent by his side and for the paths we were privileged to walk with him.
In deep gratitude
The Foundation Board and the Foundation Board of Trustees
About the Foundation
The Carl and Marisa Hahn-Foundation, established in 2006, is a private foundation with legal capacity, charitable foundation under private law based in Wolfsburg. The foundation was renamed in memory of the founder, Marisa Hahn, who died in June 2013. Marisa Hahn, who died in June 2013. The foundation is active in Wolfsburg districts, as well as in Chemnitz, Zwickau and in the catchment area of the “Saxony International School Carl Hahn” (SIS), Glauchau. The promotion of science and research is not subject to any geographical restrictions.
About the Foundation
The Carl and Marisa Hahn-Foundation, established in 2006, is a private foundation with legal capacity, charitable foundation under private law based in Wolfsburg. The foundation was renamed in memory of the founder, Marisa Hahn, who died in June 2013. Marisa Hahn, who died in June 2013. The foundation is active in Wolfsburg districts, as well as in Chemnitz, Zwickau and in the catchment area of the “Saxony International School Carl Hahn” (SIS), Glauchau. The promotion of science and research is not subject to any geographical restrictions.
The Founder
“I am grateful that my path has led me to the sunny side after a busy life. The prerequisite was to receive a good education, which became the foundation stone for my international professional career.”
Quote Carl H. Hahn – founder and benefactor
For Prof. Carl H. Hahn and his wife Marisa, it has been a matter of the heart throughout their lives to help people with whom fate has not dealt so well. That is why they established what is now known as the “Carl and Marisa Hahn Foundation” in 2006. Since 2019, daughter Pia Hahn and son Christopher Hahn have taken over leading positions on the board of directors, while sons Alexander and Peter serve on the board of trustees. Carl and Marisa Hahn remained lifelong heartfelt supporters of their foundation and actively participated in the foundation’s activities.
“I am grateful that my path has led me to the sunny side after a busy life. The prerequisite was to receive a good education, which became the foundation stone for my international professional career.”
Quote Carl H. Hahn – founder and benefactor
For Prof. Carl H. Hahn and his wife Marisa, it has been a matter of the heart throughout their lives to help people with whom fate has not dealt so well. That is why they established what is now known as the “Carl and Marisa Hahn Foundation” in 2006. Since 2019, daughter Pia Hahn and son Christopher Hahn have taken over leading positions on the board of directors, while sons Alexander and Peter serve on the board of trustees. Carl and Marisa Hahn remained lifelong heartfelt supporters of their foundation and actively participated in the foundation’s activities.
Carl H. Hahn
Carl H. Hahn (* July 1, 1926 in Chemnitz; † January 14, 2023 in Wolfsburg) was a German manager of the automotive industry who, among other things, was Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen from 1982 to 1993. Among many other international honours he was elected to the European Automotive Hall of Fame in 2006.
He was also honoured in Beijing as „Person of the Year 2018“ for his pioneering role in the market entry of Volkswagen in the People’s Republic of China. He is an honorary citizen of the cities of Wolfsburg, Chemnitz, Zwickau and Changchun (China). Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as Lower Saxony and Saxony, awarded him medals of honour.
Carl Hahn initiated the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, of which he is still a member today, and is active in numerous political, cultural and social organisations.
In order to benefit from his international experience, the Saxony International School Carl Hahn was named after him and with the renaming of the vocational school Wolfsburg I to Carl-Hahn-Schule Wolfsburg in July 2014, our benefactor received another special honour. The school and the city of Wolfsburg thus demonstrated their respect for his life’s work and function as a his role model.
More information about the founder can be found at hahn-carl.de.
Foundation Committees
The tasks of the Foundation are performed by the Foundation Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of Trustees.
Foundation Board of Directors
Pia Hahn, Chair
Christopher Hahn, Deputy Chairman
Frank Tenneberg, Executive Member
Foundation Board of Trustees
Wolfgang Hotze, Chairman
Ingo Krüger, Deputy Chairman
Alexander Hahn
Peter Hahn
Prof. Rolf Schnellecke
Peter Maffay
Founder and benefactor
Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn