REWE Group Annual Report 2024 shows the German cooperative stronger than ever, posting record revenue of €96.1 billion and confirming a major leadership transition at the top of its supervisory board.
The REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG Annual General Meeting approved the 2024 financial statements. The Group also released its new digital report: “A Clear Course – Strong Future.” Amid macroeconomic pressure, REWE increased both revenue and investment—setting the stage for growth across retail, e-commerce, and tourism.
The day also marked the end of an era. After ten years as Chairperson of the Supervisory Board, Erich Stockhausen handed over to long-time board colleague and REWE retailer Stefan Lenk.
From Stability to Renewal: A Leadership Hand-off
Outgoing Chair Erich Stockhausen reflected on his legacy with visible emotion:
“The work has grown so very close to my heart. I’ve put in many, many years of effort for REWE, the retailers, the employees, and the employee representatives… Everything is in good hands, and that puts a smile on my face.”
Stefan Lenk, who officially succeeded Stockhausen, brings deep experience from both retail and governance. He opened his first REWE store in 1983, now operates nine outlets with €100+ million in turnover, and has served on REWE supervisory bodies since 2014.
“Sincere thanks go to Erich Stockhausen for his courage and forward thinking,” Lenk said.
“We will continue to drive the company forward as a strong community.”
He takes the reins with a focus on long-term continuity, backed by a strong management board and widespread employee support.
Financial Results: Revenue Hits €96.1 Billion
Despite broader European economic uncertainty, REWE Group posted strong year-on-year gains:
Total external revenue: €96.1 billion
REWE Combine (continuing operations): Up 4.6% to €87.9 billion
DERTOUR Group travel segment: Revenue jumped 21.7% to €8.7 billion
These gains were spread across multiple business segments—from supermarkets and convenience to tourism and e-commerce.
CEO Lionel Souque framed 2024’s results as a victory in tough conditions:
“In light of uncertainty across the EU, subdued consumer sentiment, and economic downturns, 2024 was anything but a sure-fire success… Every business unit contributed, and that speaks to the dedication of our teams.”
Strategic Investment: €16 Billion for 2024–2028
REWE Group is not standing still. The company confirmed an ambitious €16 billion investment plan through 2028, positioning itself for long-term growth across Germany and Europe.
“While other sectors are cutting back or retreating, we’re doubling down—strengthening domestic business and creating economic value locally,” said Souque.
This commitment covers:
Store network development and modernisation
Digital retail and e-commerce upgrades
Tourism business expansion
Logistics and supply chain reinforcement
The contrast with competitors—many of whom are delaying investment amid inflation and energy pressures—is clear. REWE is actively betting on resilience and domestic growth.
Governance Changes: New Supervisory Board Line-up
The AGM also confirmed other key governance shifts:
Helmut Göttmann, former Deputy Chair and long-time employee representative, stepped down
Franziska Blumenthal, now Chair of the General Works Council, succeeded Göttmann as Deputy Chairperson
Both changes reflect generational transition inside the Group, as it continues to modernise while protecting its cooperative DNA.
REWE in Context: A Cooperative That’s Scaling
Founded in 1927, REWE Group now operates in 21 European countries with over 380,000 employees. It remains one of the few major supermarket groups in Europe still organised as a cooperative—balancing retailer ownership with corporate scale.
Core business lines:
Retail: REWE, REWE CENTER, nahkauf, BILLA, BILLA PLUS, ADEG, PENNY, IKI, BIPA
E-commerce: REWE Liefer- and Abholservice, Zooroyal, Weinfreunde
DIY and convenience: toom Baumarkt, REWE To Go
Wholesale: Lekkerland
Tourism: DERTOUR Group (2,000+ travel agencies, online portals, hotel brands)
In a retail landscape dominated by publicly listed multinationals, REWE’s ability to combine cooperative principles with commercial performance is rare—and increasingly relevant as consumer trust and transparency become differentiators.
Looking Ahead: Trust, Investment, Continuity
While Germany’s retail sector is dealing with labour costs, supply chain pressures, and shifting consumer habits, REWE’s leadership signalled one message clearly: steady hands, clear strategy, long-term view.
The Group is investing—not retreating. It’s renewing its leadership—not disrupting it. And it’s communicating openly—with both shareholders and store operators.
“The next generation has a firm footing to take things further,” Stockhausen said.
“We are well positioned and on the right path.”
