Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, announced that its shareholders approved all proposals at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) 2026. The meeting took place on May 8, 2026, and included several key decisions regarding the company's leadership and governance.
Key Appointments and Re-Appointments
Shareholders approved the appointment of John DeFord (American, born 1962) as a new member of the Supervisory Board, effective May 8, 2026. Additionally, Paul Stoffels (Belgian, 1962), Herna Verhagen (Dutch, 1966), and Sanjay Poonen (American, 1969) were re-appointed as members of the Supervisory Board, also effective from the same date. Roy Jakobs (Dutch/German, 1974) was re-appointed as President/CEO and Chairman and member of the Board of Management, with effect from May 8, 2026.
Discharge of Board Members
The shareholders also granted discharge to the members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board for their duties in the past fiscal year.
Statements from Leadership
Feike Sijbesma, Chairman of Philips’ Supervisory Board, commented: “On behalf of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management, we welcome John DeFord to the Supervisory Board. He brings extensive global MedTech experience and deep expertise across innovation, interventional domains, and regulatory and quality environments. We also sincerely thank Marc Harrison, whose second term ended at the end of the AGM, for his valued guidance and contributions over the past eight years. The re-appointments of Paul Stoffels, Herna Verhagen, and Sanjay Poonen provide a strong combination of expertise and important continuity to support Philips as it advances its next strategic phase.”
Mr. Sijbesma added: “We congratulate Roy Jakobs on his re-appointment as President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management. We have full confidence in his leadership to successfully lead Philips through its next phase as the company continues to strengthen execution, innovation, and performance, and advance its strategic priorities.”
Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips, stated: “I appreciate the continued trust and support of our shareholders and Supervisory Board. I would like to thank John DeFord for joining. Together with other Supervisory Board members, he brings valuable expertise to support management with strong oversight and guidance. I look forward to our continued close collaboration and am excited to deliver sustainable value for Philips and all its stakeholders as we drive profitable growth.”
Additional Information
Further details about the dividend can be found via the provided link, and additional information on the composition of the Board of Management, the Executive Committee, and the Supervisory Board is available online. Philips’ 2025 financial statements are included in its Annual Report 2025, which was published on February 19, 2026. A full overview of the resolutions taken and more information about Philips’ AGM 2026 is also accessible via the company’s website.
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2025 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 64,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries.
