Born in 1975, Adlhoch studied law at the Universities of Gieben and Mainz. He completed the required state examinations in Germany, earning his qualification to practice law. While many of his peers stayed in traditional legal careers, he quickly showed that his skills would take him far beyond courtrooms and contracts.
Career in Government
His first major career step came in the Hessian State Chancellery, where he worked from 2005 to 2011. There, he coordinated economic, financial, and fiscal policy and eventually became deputy head of the political affairs department under the state’s minister-president. This was a demanding role, placing him at the center of high-level decisions that affected not just the government but also the business communities in the region.
Moving into the Private Sector
In 2011, Adlhoch moved into the private sector, joining Bilfinger SE, a global engineering and services company. At Bilfinger, he worked on corporate strategy and large restructuring projects until 2016. He was tasked with improving efficiency, strengthening transparency, and preparing the business for long-term growth. This mix of public service and corporate strategy gave him an unusual perspective.
Brexit Taskforce Leadership
In 2016, he briefly returned to government service to head a Brexit taskforce for the state of Hesse. The job was to help businesses and local authorities prepare for the changes that Britain’s departure from the European Union would bring. For Adlhoch, it was another chance to use his legal and strategic skills in a fast-changing environment, balancing political negotiations with the practical needs of companies on the ground.
Joining Dussmann Group
His connection with the Dussmann Group began in 2017, when he joined the company’s executive board. From the start, he was given responsibility for strategy and central functions. Over time, his role grew, and in May 2022, he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Board. His promotion was not a sudden decision but the result of years of involvement in shaping the company’s path.
Transforming the Company
Founded in 1963 by Peter Dussmann, the group had grown from a small cleaning business into a global service company with activities in facility management, technical services, catering, and care. As CEO, Adlhoch has worked to keep that strong base while guiding the firm toward modern challenges such as digitalization, sustainability, and workforce shortages.
He often speaks about the importance of combining human skills with technology. He has encouraged the use of cleaning robots to help fill gaps caused by labor shortages, but stresses that many jobs still need people at their core.
Achievements and Growth
Public company reports show that revenues have reached new highs, with investments directed into areas like technical services and care. Adlhoch has explained that growth is not about expanding at any cost, but about targeted acquisitions and careful investment in services that match changing client needs. His approach reflects a mix of ambition and caution, traits that fit well with a family-owned company that thinks in generations, not just in quarterly results.
Recognition
Recognition for his leadership has also come from outside the company. In October 2019, Adlhoch, together with Catherine von Fürstenberg-Dussmann, chairwoman of the foundation board, was awarded the “Entrepreneur of the Year” title in the Services category by Ernst & Young in Germany. The award highlighted the way the duo had successfully managed a family-owned firm while ensuring it stayed innovative and competitive in a global market.
Private Life
While much is known about his career, little is shared about his private life. What is confirmed from official sources is that he was born in 1975, studied law, and built his career across government and business. Beyond that, he keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. This is typical for many German executives, especially in family-owned firms, where the company culture values professionalism and discretion over personal publicity.
Balancing Tradition and Change
What stands out is how he balances tradition with change. The Dussmann Group remains firmly rooted in its identity as a family-owned business, but under Adlhoch, it has also embraced modern trends such as digital tools, sustainability, and robotics. He has kept the company competitive in a tough services market while holding onto the values that have carried it for more than sixty years.
Adlhoch’s leadership style is often described as pragmatic and disciplined. He avoids flashy statements and instead focuses on concrete goals, such as improving efficiency, expanding technical services, or offering greener building management solutions. His background as a lawyer and public servant makes him detail-oriented and careful with risk, while his corporate experience shows in his push for innovation and operational clarity.
