Signify Premium Insight: Philips’ Leadership Change Marks Switch From the Grand, to the Granular

As with so many things in life, when it comes to business succession, timing is everything. Sadly, for many CEOs, the optimum time to hand over the reins often only becomes apparent after it has passed. So it is for Frans van Houten. Had he left the job in January 2020, the focus of the discussion surrounding his tenure would have, almost wholly, focused on his successes.

Of which there are many to choose from. He effectively navigated the complex challenges of turning a century old conglomerate, with operations in countless sectors, into a leaner business focused on healthcare technology. In doing so he shaped a growing company, with three clearly