Remembering Professor Raffée

The University of Mannheim, the Business School and Mannheim’s alumni association ABSOLVENTUM e.V. mourn the loss of Professor Raffée. He passed away on 11 May 2021 at the age of 91. Raffée was holder of the chair of Business Administration and Marketing II at the University of Mannheim, until he retired as professor emeritus in 1994. He was considered one of the most competent marketing experts in Germany. With his expert knowledge and his social and cultural commitment, he influenced generations of students at the University of Mannheim. Among other honors, he received the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse) in 2003.

Hans Raffée was born in 1929 in Danzig. From 1951 until 1955, he studied Business Administration at Goethe University Frankfurt. From 1955 until 1961, he worked there as an academic staff member. In 1960, he received his doctorate. From 1962 until 1964, he was a personal assistant to Josef Neckermann, the owner of Neckermann Versand KG. In 1969, he completed his habilitation. He was then appointed professor at the University of Mannheim.

Although Professor Raffée received offers from several other universities, he stayed at the University of Mannheim until he retired as professor emeritus in 1994. In addition to his research and teaching activities and his involvement in various university bodies, he was an expert and consultant for strategic and international marketing. He contributed, inter alia, to projects of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and European post office and telecommunication administrations. He also taught seminars for managers in the pharmaceutical industry.

At the instigation of Professor Raffée, the largest alumni association in Germany, Absolventum, was founded in 1995. Until his death, Raffée was honorary president of Absolventum.

The University of Mannheim, its Business School and Absolventum remain grateful for Professor Raffée’s expertise and empathy, his tireless efforts for students and his exemplary social commitment. We will honor his memory at all times.

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