A prominent figure in German politics, Johannes Vogel, is transitioning to a new role within the Lufthansa Group. The former FDP politician will join Eurowings, the group’s budget airline, as Head of Personnel and Legal Affairs, effective December 1st, 2025.
Vogel, 43, recently announced his departure from active political life following the FDP’s performance in the recent federal election. Previously holding key positions within the FDP, including Deputy Chairman and First Parliamentary Managing Director during the “traffic light” coalition government, his departure marked a significant shift from frontline politics. A graduate in political science from North Rhine-Westphalia, Vogel has cultivated a reputation for expertise in labor market policy, garnering respect across the political spectrum.
“The move to Eurowings and the Lufthansa Group represents a conscious decision for entrepreneurial responsibility and the field of modern personnel management” Vogel stated in comments to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He expressed enthusiasm about contributing to an industry connecting people, cultures and economic regions, emphasizing its crucial role in demonstrating a tangible European experience. Vogel further articulated a belief that a greater prevalence of diverse career paths, incorporating transitions between political and economic sectors, is beneficial for Germany.
Eurowings welcomed Vogel’s arrival, describing him as a “distinguished decision-maker”. Kai Duve, Eurowings’ Managing Director for Personnel, Finance and IT, stated the airline aims for a “modern and forward-looking personnel management system capable of attracting and retaining talent both internally and within the broader job market”. He voiced confidence in Vogel’s ability to successfully navigate this challenge, bringing a fresh perspective and substantial expertise to the role.
This isn’t Vogel’s first career transition. Following the FDP’s unsuccessful bid to re-enter the Bundestag in 2013, he previously held leadership positions at the Federal Employment Agency, including managing the Solingen-Wuppertal Employment Agency, which oversaw a staff of 400.