Royal Philips, the global health technology leader headquartered in Amsterdam, has formally proposed the re-appointment of Roy Jakobs as its President and Chief Executive Officer. This significant corporate announcement positions Jakobs to continue leading the multinational company through its next strategic phase.
Leadership Continuity at Royal Philips
The Supervisory Board of Royal Philips has put forward Roy Jakobs for re-appointment to his dual roles as President and CEO, while also maintaining his position on the Board of Management. This proposal reflects the board's confidence in Jakobs' leadership during a period of substantial organizational transformation and financial recovery.
Strategic Progress Since 2022
Feike Sijbesma, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized the tangible progress achieved under Jakobs' leadership since his initial appointment. "Roy Jakobs has demonstrated clear leadership, strong execution and a relentless focus on strengthening Philips amid an uncertain macro environment," stated Sijbesma.
The board specifically highlighted several key accomplishments during Jakobs' tenure:
- Significant progress in addressing the Respironics recall and enhancing patient safety protocols
- Implementation of resilient and adaptive supply chain operations, including effective tariff management
- Organizational simplification resulting in EUR 2.5 billion in productivity savings
- Renewal of senior leadership team with enhanced focus on performance and innovation
- Restoration of company growth with materially increased margins and positive cash generation
Formal Approval Process
The proposal for Jakobs' re-appointment will be submitted for shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026. This formal process ensures corporate governance standards are maintained while providing transparency to investors and stakeholders.
Future Strategic Direction
Coinciding with this announcement, Roy Jakobs is scheduled to present Philips' comprehensive plan for driving profitable growth and delivering sustainable value at the company's Capital Markets Day. This presentation will outline the strategic roadmap for Philips' continued evolution in the competitive health technology sector.
Corporate Background and Impact
Royal Philips, trading on both the New York Stock Exchange and Amsterdam's AEX as PHG and PHIA respectively, reported 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion. The company employs approximately 67,000 people worldwide and maintains operations in over 100 countries. As a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, monitoring systems, and personal health solutions, Philips' leadership decisions carry significant weight in global healthcare technology markets.
The Supervisory Board expressed strong confidence that Jakobs possesses the necessary vision and capability to guide Philips toward creating long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. "The Supervisory Board is confident that Roy is the right leader to continue guiding Philips with ongoing focus and accountability," concluded Sijbesma in the official statement.
Additional information regarding the 2026 Annual General Meeting will be published in the coming months, providing shareholders with comprehensive details about the voting process and related corporate governance matters.
