A 7-kilogram bomb triggered by an infrared light beam ended the life of Alfred Herrhausen in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe on 30 November 1989. As the Chairman of Deutsche Bank, he served as a central figure in German finance and a public advisor to Chancellor Helmut Kohl during a volatile period of European economic integration.
Professional Path and Early Career
Born in Essen in 1930, Herrhausen pursued a multi-faceted career that spanned economics, banking, and politics. He received his education at the Reichsschule Feldafing, Carl-Humann-Gymnasium, and eventually the University of Cologne, where he earned a doctorate. His early professional years were centered in the energy industry before he transitioned into the financial sector. By 1971, he had secured a position on the management board of Deutsche Bank.
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Herrhausen sought to modernize Deutsche Bank by transforming it into a global universal institution. His strategy involved the development of an integrated investment banking division to bolster the bank's competitive standing internationally. Beyond institutional management, he became a prominent public voice in discussions concerning economic, social, and political order, often acting as a representative for the interests of German industry.
International Debt Advocacy
Beginning in the autumn of 1987, Herrhausen gained significant attention for his public advocacy regarding the debt burdens of developing nations. He challenged the existing financial orthodoxy by calling for substantial debt relief, a stance that extended his influence far beyond traditional banking circles. His work reflected a broader engagement with global economic policies and the responsibilities of major financial institutions.
The Assassination and Investigation
On his way to work in an armoured Mercedes-Benz, Herrhausen was killed by an explosively formed projectile. The device utilized a Misnay–Schardin mechanism, which propelled a copper plate at high speeds through the vehicle's plating. Although the Red Army Faction claimed responsibility, the federal prosecutor dropped charges against the group in 2004 due to a lack of evidence. The murder remains officially unsolved, with investigations into the involvement of other state intelligence agencies having yielded no definitive proof.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Essen
- Died: 30 November 1989, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe
- Primary Employer: Deutsche Bank
- Educational Background: University of Cologne
- Notable Advisor Role: Helmut Kohl
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Burial Site: Waldfriedhof, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe
Questions readers ask
Was the Red Army Faction responsible for his death?
The group claimed responsibility, but the German federal prosecutor eventually dropped the charges against them in 2004 due to insufficient evidence.
What was the purpose of the Alfred Herrhausen Society?
Established in 1992, the society was created to honor the memory of Alfred Herrhausen; Deutsche Bank ceased its support in 2023.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Cologne and Reichsschule Feldafing
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