Thomas Toepfer

Thomas Toepfer serves as Chief Financial Officer of Airbus SE, one of the world's leading aerospace and defense companies, bringing over two decades of distinguished financial leadership across major German corporations. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1972, Dr. Toepfer joined Airbus on September 1, 2023, succeeding Dominik Asam as CFO and becoming a member of the company's Executive Committee, where he reports directly to CEO Guillaume Faury. His appointment marked the culmination of a rigorous selection process, with CEO Faury highlighting Toepfer as 'a highly regarded CFO in the DAX40.' Prior to Airbus, Dr. Toepfer served as CFO of Covestro AG, a DAX40 company and one of the world's leading suppliers of premium polymers, where he held the position since April 2018 and additionally served as Labor Director since January 2019. His tenure at Covestro was marked by strategic financial management during challenging market conditions and successful navigation of complex industrial transformations. Previously, he was CFO of KION Group, a leading provider of materials handling and warehouse automation solutions, where he demonstrated exceptional capabilities in managing the financial operations of complex industrial businesses. His career began at McKinsey & Company as a management consultant, providing him with deep strategic insights that have informed his approach to financial leadership throughout his career. Dr. Toepfer's educational foundation includes a PhD in Business Administration from the prestigious Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management (WHU) in Koblenz, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. His leadership philosophy combines rigorous financial discipline with strategic vision, enabling companies to navigate complex market environments while positioning for long-term growth. Beyond his executive roles, he serves as a member of the shareholder committee and Supervisory Board of CLAAS KGaA mbH, a leading global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, since January 2022, demonstrating his broader commitment to German industrial excellence.