Kurt Schlotthauer
Founder
Dr Kurt Schlotthauer is an internationally renowned chartered accountant, statutory auditor and “Wirtschaftsprüfer”, renowned for his expertise in the fields of auditing and consultancy. His exceptional career has made him a key figure in Franco-German relations in the sector.
Born on 16 August 1940 in Mayen, Germany, he studied law and economics at the universities of Heidelberg and Munich. In 1968, he obtained his diploma as a legal assessor, followed by a doctorate in political science in 1970.
He began his career in 1969 with an accountancy firm in Mannheim. In 1972, he moved to Paris and joined a French firm. He obtained the qualifications of “Wirtschaftsprüfer” in Germany in 1975, “expert-comptable” in France in 1977, and “commissaire aux comptes” in 1978. He thus became the first German to hold these qualifications on both sides of the Rhine, enabling him to practise in both countries.
From 1982 to 1985, he was a partner and member of the management board of the French subsidiary of Touche Ross, an international audit firm. In 1985, on the strength of his vision and with the support of his wife and loyal colleagues, he founded what was to become Coffra group, a Franco-German audit and consultancy firm based in Paris. His ambition was clear: to offer a multidisciplinary approach and accompany international companies, particularly German ones, to establish themselves in France. Under his impetus, Coffra group was structured and developed to become a major player in the sector, today bringing together 200 employees and 19 partners.
Passionate about Franco-German relations, Dr Schlotthauer is behind a number of initiatives. He co-founded and runs the “Club Économique Franco-Allemand” (CEFA), sits on the Executive Committee of the “Société des Amis et des Bienfaiteurs de l’Hôtel de Beauharnais” and on the Board of Directors of the Heinrich Heine Foundation. He also supports the International Mendelssohn Foundation. A founding member of “Wirtschaftskreis 85” (WK85), a Franco-German circle of business leaders brought about by the German Embassy, he has also worked as an auditor for the Franco-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His commitment to the strengthening of ties between France and Germany, which he considers essential for peace and prosperity in Europe, remains at the heart of his actions, particularly in a changing international context.
A man of culture and passion, he has a deep interest in music and contemporary art. A keen sportsman, he plays tennis and swims regularly.
His career has been distinguished by numerous awards. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (“Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande”), followed in 2002 by the title of “Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur”.
In 2022, he was elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Coffra group.