Floris Maljers

Floris Maljers was born on November 12, 1933, in the Netherlands. Little did anyone know that he would later become a significant figure in the corporate world, especially known for his work at Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies.

Floris Maljers completed his education at the University of Groningen in 1955. He earned a degree in Economics, which would later form the foundational knowledge for his successful career in the business and corporate sector.

In 1959, Floris Maljers joined Unilever as a management trainee. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career at one of the largest and most prestigious consumer goods companies in the world.

In 1984, Floris Maljers was appointed as the Chairman of Unilever. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the company's strategy and global expansion, leading initiatives that strengthened Unilever's position in the global market.

After a decade of serving as the Chairman, Floris Maljers retired from Unilever in 1994. His leadership period was marked by dynamic growth and consolidation of the company’s market position, making Unilever a household name across the globe.

Floris Maljers was appointed as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at TomTom in October 1998. Under his guidance, TomTom evolved into a significant player in the navigation and mapping industry, expanding its global reach.

Floris Maljers joined the advisory board of the ING Group in February 1999. His deep understanding of global business operations and strategic decision-making proved invaluable to the financial services conglomerate.

In 2001, Floris Maljers became a member of the Board of Directors for the Sara Lee Corporation. His extensive experience in leadership roles added valuable strategic insight to the company’s operations and governance.

In June 2002, Floris Maljers was awarded an honorary membership at the Royal Dutch Economic Association. This accolade was in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of economics and his leadership qualities.

Floris Maljers published his biography titled 'De Hobbel Der Jaren' in March 2003. The book gives a detailed account of his life, his career at Unilever, and his views on international business and corporate strategy.

In October 2005, Floris Maljers was awarded an honorary doctorate by Nyenrode Business Universiteit, recognizing his vast contributions to the field of business and leadership. His innovative ideas and achievements were celebrated and acknowledged.

In May 2006, Floris Maljers gave an interview to the Financial Times, where he shared his insights on corporate governance, strategic management, and the challenges faced by multinational corporations. His perspectives were well-received by the business community.

In March 2007, Floris Maljers received the Nyenrode Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements and have significantly contributed to the business community.

Floris Maljers was appointed as a trustee at the University of Groningen in 2009. Returning to his alma mater in this capacity, he provided guidance and support to the university in its mission to advance education and research.

In April 2011, Floris Maljers contributed a chapter to the book 'Leaders in Business: 50 Insights from CEOs', sharing his unique experiences and lessons learned from his time leading Unilever, offering advice to aspiring business leaders.

Floris Maljers celebrated his 80th birthday on November 12, 2013. This milestone was celebrated by friends, family, and his colleagues in the business world, recognizing his lifelong contributions and achievements in various roles.

In November 2014, Floris Maljers delivered a guest lecture at the London Business School. He spoke on the themes of global business strategy, ethical leadership, and the importance of innovation in large corporations, drawing from his extensive career.

In November 2016, Floris Maljers was profiled in the Harvard Business Review. The profile highlighted his leadership style, strategic insights, and his role in revolutionizing Unilever’s international market presence, offering valuable lessons for future business leaders.

Floris Maljers delivered a keynote speech at a prestigious business conference in September 2019. His speech focused on the future of consumer goods, sustainability, and the role of leadership in navigating the evolving global markets.

Floris Maljers was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Dutch Marketing Association in January 2020. This award celebrated his enduring influence on marketing practices and strategies, particularly his emphasis on ethical marketing and consumer trust.