Entrepreneur,
Donor and Citizen.

Prof. Dr. Michael Otto is one of the leading entrepreneurial personalities in Germany and in Europe. The secret of his success lies in his curiosity and enthusiasm, creativity and innovative strength, courage and foresight as well as a compassionate attitude geared towards the common good. His resourcefulness and perseverance helped turn the former Otto mail order company into an internationally successful group of companies. In terms of both environmental and climate protection – which he adopted as a strategic corporate goal as early as the 1980s – and digitalization – which he rigorously implemented in the company from the mid-1990s – he is considered a pioneer, far ahead of his time. With tireless dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, Michael Otto is also committed as a donor to environmental and species conservation, social justice, economic development and democracy. And as a citizen, his initiatives and contributions send a clear signal example for a decent future for all. His motto in life: “Start with yourself”. This makes him a vanguard, not only for his employees but also for society at large.