Famous Dutch Entrepreneurs

Otto Heinrich Frank edited and published the first edition of his daughter Anne Frank's diary in 1947, known in English as The Diary of a Young Girl. He provided advice for the diary's theatrical and cinematic adaptations. In the 1950s and 1960s, he founded European charities in Anne's name and established the trust that preserved the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the family's wartime hiding place. Otto Frank's professional legacy is defined by his efforts to share Anne's story and preserve her memory through various mediums and charitable initiatives.

Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken is a Dutch billionaire businesswoman known for her significant ownership stake in Heineken N.V., the world's second-largest brewer. She holds a 25% controlling interest in the company, allowing her to play a crucial role in its operations and decision-making processes. Charlene's strategic vision and leadership have contributed to the continued success and growth of the Heineken brand. With an estimated net worth of US$14.1 billion as of July 2024, she is recognized as a prominent figure in the global business landscape.

Anthony Fokker was a Dutch aviation pioneer, entrepreneur, designer, and manufacturer known for producing fighter aircraft during WWI in Germany. Following the Treaty of Versailles, he relocated his business to the Netherlands, where he developed successful passenger aircraft like the Fokker F.VII/3m trimotor. Fokker's legacy includes innovative aircraft designs and a reputation for charisma and controversy in business dealings. His contributions to aviation have left a lasting impact on the industry, solidifying his place as a key figure in aviation history.

Frits Philips was the fourth chairman of the board of directors of Philips, a Dutch electronics company founded by his family. He played a significant role in the company's growth and success, leading it through various challenges and innovations. Frits Philips also demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion during World War II by saving hundreds of Jews from the Nazi Occupation of the Netherlands. His actions earned him international recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations in 1996.

Boyan Slat is a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur who previously studied aerospace engineering. He currently serves as the CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, an organization focused on developing advanced technologies to clean up plastic pollution in the world's oceans. Slat's innovative approach and leadership have been instrumental in driving progress towards addressing the global issue of marine plastic waste. Through his work with The Ocean Cleanup, he has become a prominent figure in the environmental and sustainability sectors.

Joran van der Sloot gained notoriety as a convicted Dutch murderer for the killing of Stephany Flores Ramírez in Peru in 2010, following his initial involvement as the prime suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway in 2005. He confessed to bludgeoning Flores but later attempted to retract his confession. Van der Sloot was sentenced to 28 years in prison for Flores's murder and later received an additional 18-year sentence for cocaine trafficking. He was extradited to the US in 2023 to face trial for extortion and wire fraud linked to Holloway's disappearance.

Paul Polman is a Dutch businessman and author known for his role as the former CEO of Unilever, during which he championed sustainability and social impact through initiatives like the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. He co-founded Imagine consultancy to address poverty, inequality, and climate change. Polman is involved in impact investing through organizations like TPG Rise and EQT Future, as well as venture capital investments in climate-focused companies. He is recognized globally for his advocacy on climate change, inequality, and responsible business practices.

Bas Lansdorp is a Dutch entrepreneur recognized for his role as the co-founder and former CEO of Mars One, a venture aiming to establish a human settlement on Mars. He gained prominence for his ambitious vision of colonizing the Red Planet, attracting global attention and support for the project. Lansdorp's professional journey involved leading various aspects of the Mars One mission, including fundraising, team management, and public engagement. Despite the project ultimately facing challenges and being declared defunct, Lansdorp's innovative approach to space exploration remains noteworthy.

Marc Bolland is a prominent Dutch businessman with a successful career in the retail industry. He served as the CEO of Marks & Spencer, a well-known British multinational retailer. Prior to his role at Marks & Spencer, Bolland held the position of CEO at Morrisons, a leading supermarket chain in the UK. Known for his strategic vision and leadership skills, Bolland has made significant contributions to the growth and success of both companies during his tenure as CEO.

Jan Huygen van Linschoten was a Dutch spy, merchant, traveller, and writer known for his significant contributions to European knowledge of Asian trade and navigation. Serving as the archbishop's secretary in Goa, he gained access to classified information which he later published in his book Itinerario. By meticulously copying secret charts and providing crucial nautical data, he enabled safe navigation to the East Indies, leading to the breaking of Portuguese trade monopoly by facilitating trading for the Dutch, French, and English East India Companies.

Rita Verdonk is a Dutch politician and businesswoman who has held various roles in public service and the private sector. She served as a civil servant for the Ministry of Justice, director of the State Security department, and later as Minister for Integration and Asylum Affairs in the Dutch government. Verdonk also worked as a management consultant for prominent firms. After leaving politics, she transitioned to the private sector, holding positions as a corporate director, nonprofit director, and political and management consultant.

Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza was a prominent industrialist and art collector with Dutch and Swiss citizenship. He belonged to the influential Thyssen family and inherited a substantial German fortune. Thyssen spent most of his adult life in Spain and was known for his extensive art collection. His professional endeavors included managing industrial businesses and investments. Additionally, he played a significant role in the art world, contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage through his renowned collection.

Dirk Stikker was a prominent Dutch politician, diplomat, and businessman known for his managerial and negotiation skills. He was a key figure in the Liberal State Party and later co-founded the Freedom Party and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. Stikker served as the first Secretary General of NATO from the Netherlands, showcasing his expertise in international affairs. Throughout his career, he continued to engage in political commentary and remained an influential statesman until his passing.

Joseph de la Vega was a versatile figure, excelling as a diamond merchant, moral philosopher, and poet. He resided in Amsterdam for the majority of his life, holding key roles in various literary academies. Noteworthy for his seven published works, his most significant contribution was "Confusion of Confusions," a book centered on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Additionally, de la Vega was recognized for his extensive correspondence, having penned over 200 letters to various European statesmen, showcasing his intellectual prowess and influence in his professional endeavors.

Roemer Visscher, a Dutch merchant and writer, was a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age. Known for his expertise in epigrams and emblemata, Visscher's works often combined rhyming sentences with illustrations. He was celebrated for the moralistic and humanistic themes present in his writings. Visscher's contributions to literature and art were highly regarded, highlighting his significant role in the cultural landscape of the time.

John de Mol Jr. is a prominent Dutch media tycoon known for his successful ventures in the entertainment industry. He co-founded production companies Endemol and Talpa, where he played a key role in creating popular reality TV formats like Big Brother, Star Academy, and The Voice, as well as game shows such as Fear Factor and Deal or No Deal. With an estimated net worth of around US$1.8 billion in 2023 according to Forbes, de Mol has established himself as a major player in the global media landscape.

James Sharpe is a Dutch retired politician, athlete, and businessman of Aruban descent. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010, focusing on improving sports quality in the Netherlands. However, his political career was cut short due to involvement in a telecom scandal, leading to his retirement. Sharpe's commitment to sports and his brief tenure in politics showcased his dedication to public service and his desire to make a positive impact within the realm of sports and government.

Louis Fles was a Dutch businessman, activist, and author known for his outspoken opposition to Zionism, Nazism, and organized religion. As a self-proclaimed freethinker, he advocated for Humanism and Jewish assimilation. While generally supportive of socialism, Fles had disagreements with the Dutch Social Democratic Workers' Party. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to political and social activism, expressing his views through his writing and broadcasting. Fles tragically took his own life in 1940, shortly after the German occupation of the Netherlands.

Rattan Chadha is a successful entrepreneur who founded and led Mexx, expanding it to 1,200 stores in 56 countries with annual sales of one billion euros. After selling Mexx in 2004, he established KRC Capital B.V. to invest in hotels, real estate, and leisure. He is the founder and executive chairman of citizenM hotel chain and owner of the Royal Mougins Golf Resort in France. Additionally, he has significant investments in real estate developments in India and America. Rattan has received several prestigious awards for his entrepreneurial success and contributions to trade relations between China and the Netherlands.

Harold George Meij is a Dutch businessman known for his role as the president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) from May 2018 to October 2020. During his tenure, Meij focused on expanding NJPW's global presence and increasing its revenue streams. He implemented various strategic initiatives to enhance the company's brand and reach new audiences worldwide. Meij's leadership was characterized by his business acumen and vision for growing NJPW as a prominent player in the professional wrestling industry.

Teddy Yip was an Indonesian-Dutch businessman and Formula One team owner of Theodore Racing in the 1970s. Known for his multilingual abilities, he was a polyglot. Yip's professional life was marked by his successful ventures in the business world and his significant contributions to the motorsport industry through his ownership of the Theodore Racing team. His endeavors in both business and Formula One showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for excellence in the competitive realms of commerce and racing.

Joop Wilhelmus was a Dutch pornographer and entrepreneur known for his controversial ventures. He co-founded and published the pornographic magazine Chick and also founded the child pornography magazine Lolita. Additionally, he was involved in pedophile advocacy, which further fueled the controversy surrounding his professional life. Wilhelmus' work in the adult entertainment industry and his advocacy for pedophilia stirred significant public debate and criticism during his career.

Jacobus Nienhuys was a Dutch businessman and planter who initially went to Sumatra to purchase tobacco but ended up establishing the tobacco industry there. He founded the Deli Company to produce tobacco and imported Chinese labor to cultivate it. Under his leadership, the company flourished, making him a wealthy man. Nienhuys served as the commissioner of the Deli Company from 1880 until his death, overseeing its growth and success in the tobacco industry.

Yang Bin was a prominent Chinese-Dutch businessman known for his involvement in the horticulture and real estate industries. He owned stakes in Euro-Asia Agricultural Holdings and Holland Village, China. His career took a turn in 2002 when he was arrested on charges of tax evasion, leading to a 2003 conviction and an 18-year prison sentence. Despite this setback, he was released in 2016. Yang Bin's business ventures included an orchid business in Shenyang and a role in the economic development of the Sinŭiju Special Administrative Region in North Korea.

Abraham Icek Tuschinski was a prominent Dutch businessman known for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is best remembered for creating the iconic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, showcasing his expertise as a successful theater owner. Additionally, Tuschinski established the renowned Roxy Theater in the same city, further solidifying his impact on the cinema scene. Despite his professional success, Tuschinski faced tragedy during World War II, losing all his possessions and tragically perishing in Auschwitz.