During this edition of the Visionary Circle, we will be speaking with Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips and currently active as a Non-Executive Director and start-up mentor. Under his leadership, Philips transformed from a broad industrial concern into a leading player in health technology and sustainable lighting. This transformation called for a multidimensional approach and stakeholder management at the highest level – and showed that the right people and culture are crucial for success.
CEOs and Members of the Supervisory Board
17:30 | Start of program (including presentation, discussion and 3-course dinner)
20:30 | End of formal program, opportunity for informal networking
Language: English
Penthouse room, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, Noordwijk
Former CEO
Frans van Houten is a Dutch top executive and former CEO of Royal Philips N.V. (2011–2022). Under his leadership, Philips transformed from an electronics group into a leading health technology company. He previously also led the spin-off of Philips Semiconductors into NXP. Van Houten is known for his vision on digital healthcare, sustainability, and innovation, and was active within international forums such as the World Economic Forum. Since leaving Philips, he has been active as a strategic advisor and speaker.
Major transformations are rarely easy. They require steadfastness in times of uncertainty, the ability to turn resistance into movement, and leadership that provides both space and direction. But when is leadership truly effective?
During this edition of the Visionary Circle, we will be speaking with Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips and currently active as a Non-Executive Director and start-up mentor. Under his leadership, Philips transformed from a broad industrial concern into a leading player in health technology and sustainable lighting. This transformation called for a multidimensional approach and stakeholder management at the highest level – and showed that the right people and culture are crucial for success.
During the dinner, we will use Frans’ experiences to explore what is really needed today to bring about change. How do you develop a convincing case for change and stay on course in an environment full of conflicting interests and external pressure? What role does purpose play in mobilizing people and making sharp strategic choices? And how do you shape cultural change when old patterns are deeply rooted?
We cordially invite you to an open and reflective dialogue with like-minded individuals about the complex reality of transformations and the demands this places on contemporary leadership. Frans shares his insights, dilemmas and lessons from practice, and invites you to reflect and exchange perspectives at a strategic level.
