Country Netherlands
Germany Founder Philip Phillips | Founded 18th century Ethnicity Dutch | |
Philips is the name of Dutch Patrician family, known for founding the Philips Electronics company.
Contents
History
The first known member of the family is one Philip Philips, a Jewish merchant who came to the Netherlands from North Rhine-Westphalia and was married to Rebecca van Crefelt. His son Benjamin Philips (1767 - Zaltbommel) built a fortune selling tobacco. Benjamin's son, Lion (1794-1866) was married to Sophie Presburg, an aunt of Karl Marx. Benjamin, Lion and their respective families converted to Christianity in 1862. Lion's daughter, Antoinette "Nannette" (or Netchen) Leonore Jeannette Roodhuijzen was the addressee of many of her cousin Karl Marx's letters (e.g.) and later, a member of the Dutch section of the International. Lion's son Frederik Philips was a merchant banker who financed the setting up of the Philips lighting company which was run by his son Gerard Philips. After a few years Gerard was joined by his younger brother Anton Philips who revolutionised the fortunes of the company. Anton was succeeded by his son-in-law Frans Otten who was married to Anton's eldest daughter. During the war Anton fled to England in a company armoured payroll van along with Princess Juliana and several other members of the Dutch Royal Family. Frans Otten also spent the war in exile. Anton's only son Frits Philips remained in Holland during the German occupation in order to protect its employees - some of whom were Jewish - and also prevent the company from being used to manufacture arms for the Nazis. Frits later succeeded his brother-in-law Frans Otten as head of Philips. When Frits retired his place was taken by his by other brother-in-law Henk van Riemsdijk. It is rumoured that Frits continued to help run the company after his official retirement.
Frans Otten jnr. and Warner Philips jnr., great grandsons of two former CEOs, co-founded a new lighting company (Lemnis) which has no connection with the Philips company and is not allowed to use the Philips name.