A doctorate in political science and economics from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München paved the way for Heinrich Gattineau to enter the ranks of IG Farben. Born in 1905 in Bucharest to a dentist, he eventually moved to Germany, where his career became defined by high-stakes corporate maneuvering and close, often dangerous, proximity to the leadership of the Nazi Party.
Early Career and IG Farben
Gattineau joined IG Farben in 1928. By 1931, he held the position of head of commercial policy and public relations. His responsibilities expanded in 1932 when he became head of the Department of Economic Policy, or Wipo, which monitored taxation, legal, and foreign policy issues impacting the company. During this period, he facilitated communication between IG Farben leadership and Adolf Hitler to mitigate public criticism of the firm. He specifically participated in discussions regarding the production of synthetic oil to support German rearmament.
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Seeking to prove his political credentials, Gattineau joined the Sturmabteilung and rapidly advanced, reaching the rank of SA-Standartenführer by 1934. He served as an economic adviser to Ernst Röhm. During the Night of the Long Knives in June 1934, he was arrested by the Gestapo on allegations of misdirecting corporate funds to support a political plot. Following hours of interrogation, he was released, potentially due to the intervention of Max Ilgner. He resigned from the SA following the event and eventually received full membership in the Nazi Party in 1935.
Wartime and Post-war Activity
During the Second World War, Gattineau served as a director for Dynamit-Nobel-Fabrik and other chemical firms in Bratislava that operated under the IG Farben structure. In 1947, following the war, he was indicted alongside 24 other executives in the Nuremberg trials. He was acquitted of all charges. After his release, he moved into various boardroom positions in the corporate sector. His professional contributions were later recognized with the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Bucharest
- Died: 1985, Munich
- Education: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Major Employer: IG Farben
- Membership: Sturmabteilung
- Award: Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Questions readers ask
Was Heinrich Gattineau convicted at the Nuremberg trials?
No, although he was indicted as one of 24 executives, he was acquitted of all charges.
What was his role at IG Farben?
He served as the head of public relations, commercial policy, and the Department of Economic Policy.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Affiliated with IG Farben
- Educated at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
