A prominent figure in German politics, Johannes Vogel, is transitioning to a new role within the Lufthansa Group. Vogel, previously holding key positions within the Free Democratic Party (FDP), will join Eurowings, Lufthansa’s low-cost airline subsidiary, as Head of Personnel and Legal Affairs, effective December 2025.
Vogel’s departure from active politics follows the FDP’s recent electoral setback. Having served as Deputy Chairman and First Parliamentary Managing Director during the recent coalition government, he announced his withdrawal from political office earlier this year. A graduate in political science from North Rhine-Westphalia, Vogel has gained respect across the political spectrum, particularly for his expertise in labor market policy.
“The move to Eurowings and the Lufthansa Group represents a conscious decision to embrace corporate responsibility and focus on modern personnel management” Vogel stated in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the aviation industry, emphasizing its role in connecting people, cultures and economies and contributing to a tangible European experience. Vogel also underscored the value of diverse professional paths, advocating for greater movement between the political and economic sectors.
Eurowings welcomed Vogel’s appointment, describing him as a “distinguished decision-maker”. Kai Duve, Eurowings’ Director of Personnel, Finance and IT, stated that the company aims to implement a “modern and forward-looking personnel management approach” that resonates both internally and within the broader labor market. He expressed confidence in Vogel’s ability to meet this challenge with a fresh perspective and considerable expertise.
This isn’s Vogel’s first career shift following a period in politics. Previously, after the FDP failed to secure seats in the Bundestag in 2013, he worked for the Federal Employment Agency, assuming various leadership roles, including managing the Solingen-Wuppertal employment agency with a workforce of 400 employees.
