Professional Role and Company Context
Dr. Jochen Göttelmann currently holds the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Vice President of Information Management at Lufthansa Cargo AG, a key business unit within the Deutsche Lufthansa AG Group. Lufthansa Cargo operates with an annual turnover of approximately €2.8 billion and a freight volume of 6.5 billion revenue tonne-kilometers (RTK) as reported in 2020, indicating significant scale and operational footprint in global airfreight logistics.
Lufthansa Cargo is integrated within the broader Lufthansa Group, a global aviation conglomerate with over 240 subsidiaries spanning passenger airlines, cargo, aviation services, and technological innovation sectors. The Group emphasizes sustainable value creation, strong free cash flow generation, and financial stability.
Key Responsibilities and Achievements
Dr. Göttelmann leads digital transformation and IT modernization efforts at Lufthansa Cargo, focusing on infrastructure refresh, cloud migration, and digitalizing core cargo business processes. Under his leadership, Lufthansa Cargo has established and maintained a 10-year partnership with IBS Software, leveraging their solutions to globally streamline and digitalize cargo handling, including special product segments.
Notably, Dr. Göttelmann was awarded the European Digital Leader of the Year 2023 in the B2B category, reflecting his and Lufthansa Cargo’s leadership in digital innovation and technology-driven business transformation across the supply chain and logistics industry. His CIO office is recognized for running the "backbone of German industry," emphasizing the strategic role of IT in air freight operations and supply chain efficiency.
He actively champions initiatives to drive digitalization of the air freight industry, supporting innovations such as AI-supported ground processes and intelligent cargo handling solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
Industry Recognition and Influence
- European Digital Leader Award (2023, B2B category), acknowledging Lufthansa Cargo's IT excellence and digital transformation under his stewardship.
- Nominee for the EDLOTY Award, highlighting leadership in technology for B2B sectors.
- Frequently featured in industry forums, summits (Enterprise DevOps Summit), and media interviews, underscoring his influence and thought leadership in air freight digitalization.
Strategic Focus and Professional Interests
Dr. Göttelmann’s work centers on:
- End-to-end IT infrastructure modernization including cloud adoption.
- Implementing digital platforms and software for efficient cargo handling.
- Leveraging data as a strategic asset for operational excellence in logistics.
- Driving sustainability and integration of innovative technologies within cargo operations.
- Collaboration with partners to accelerate industry-wide digital transformations.
Lufthansa Cargo’s Market and Operational Highlights
- Lufthansa Cargo is a key segment of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, which prioritizes strong financial strategy, sustainability, and innovation.
- The Cargo division is positioned as a vital artery in Lufthansa Group’s network, underpinning Germany’s and Europe’s airfreight capabilities.
- The Group’s broader commitment to sustainability aligns with digital innovations reducing emissions and improving operational efficiencies.
Dr. Jochen Göttelmann’s extensive experience, recognized leadership in digital transformation, and strategic role within a high-revenue, globally impactful cargo unit position him as a critical executive driving Lufthansa Cargo’s innovation agenda and operational modernization within the Deutsche Lufthansa AG ecosystem.
