October 9, 1959, marks the birth of Johannes Teyssen in Hildesheim, Germany. Throughout his career, this jurist and economist directed major shifts in the European utility sector. His professional trajectory spans leadership roles at multinational energy entities, culminating in significant corporate restructuring projects that redefined operations for millions of customers across the continent.
Academic and Early Legal Training
Teyssen pursued studies in economics and law, attending programs in Freiburg and the University of Göttingen, graduating in 1984. He conducted doctoral research in Boston before completing his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1991, focusing on comparative criminal procedure law. His initial professional experience was as a law clerk at the State Superior Court in Celle.
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In 1989, Teyssen joined PreussenElektra in Hanover, initially serving in the legal department before rising to lead corporate law and legal affairs. By 1998, he moved to the power company Hastra as a board member. Following a 1999 merger involving five energy firms, he became chairman of the Board of Management at the newly formed Avacon.
Executive Tenures at E.ON
Teyssen joined E.ON Energie AG in 2001, initially managing finance before becoming chief executive officer. His tenure included a period as chief operating officer and deputy chairman for E.ON Ruhrgas AG and E.ON Energy Trading AG. In May 2010, he assumed the role of CEO of E.ON, a position he held until 2021. During this time, he navigated the transition to renewable energy and led the 2016 spin-off of Uniper SE. By 2020, he finalized a major reorganization with RWE AG, securing energy infrastructure operations serving 50 million customers across 10 countries.
Industry Advocacy and Board Roles
Beyond E.ON, Teyssen was elected President of Eurelectric in 2013. His advisory and board activities are extensive, including a non-executive director role at BP plc starting in 2021 and a senior advisor position at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. He served as chairman of the board for Alpiq Holding beginning in 2022 and, in May 2026, became chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 October 1959, Hildesheim, Germany
- Education: University of Göttingen
- E.ON CEO term: 2010-2021
- President of Eurelectric: 2013
- Lufthansa Supervisory Board Chairman: May 2026
- Former Norwegian Honorary Consul General: until 2020
- Married: With four children
Questions readers ask
What academic degrees does Johannes Teyssen hold?
He earned a degree in law and economics and a Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Which major corporations has he led or served as a board member?
Key roles include CEO of E.ON, Chairman of Alpiq Holding, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lufthansa, and board memberships at BP and Deutsche Bank AG.
Achievements
- Affiliated with PreussenElektra, Hastra and Avacon
- Educated at University of Göttingen
