Aurubis Founders and People
Aurubis can look back on an impressive history shaped by a number of important people. They made a lasting impact on both the company and the industry with their visionary ideas and dedication. The founders’ legacy continues to this day: innovative and responsible towards customers, employees and the Group.
The founders of Norddeutsche Affinerie
Dr. Ferdinand Beit
(1817-1870)
- Son of clothier Philipp Raphael Beit
- 1846 Technical director of Elbkupferwerk
- 1857 Co-founder of Elbhütten-Affinir Handelsgesellschaft
- 1866 Charter member and president of Supervisory Board at NA (1866–1870)
Karl Friedrich Ludwig Freiherr von Westenholz
(1825-1898)
- Founder of Friedrich Westenholz & Co.
- 1858–1872 Member of Supervisory
- Board at Norddeutsche Bank
- 1866 Elected vice-president of Supervisory Board at NA
- 1870–1898 President of NA
George Ferdinand Gorrissen
(1821–1904)
Employment in paternal business “Gorrissen & Lutz” in Hamburg until
his appointment as grand ducal consul general
1869 Ennoblement
1898–1904 Member of Supervisory Board at NA
Ferdinand Jacobson
(1822–1905)
Merchant and founder of a trading company in Hamburg named after him
1856 Charter member of Norddeutsche Bank
1866–1902 Member of Supervisory Board at NA
1861 President of Commercial Deputation
1895 Conversion of his trading company to a bank