Erich Johann Albert Raeder (24 April 1876 in Wandsbek - 6 November 1960 in Kiel) was a naval leader in Germany before and during the Second World War. He was made a "Großadmiral" (, equivalent to Admiral of the Fleet) in 1939, which is the highest naval rank. In 1943 he was replaced by Karl Dönitz in his position as head of the German Navy.