Feike Sijbesma was active at Gist-brocades and Royal DSM from 1987 to 2020, including 13 years as CEO. As CEO of DSM, he transformed the company into a global leader in Life & Materials Sciences, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. He turned DSM into a purpose-driven organization that contributes to a better world: “doing well (450% shareholder value) by doing good.” Feike is also a committed advocate for diversity.
Engagement
Sijbesma has an academic background in medical and molecular biology and training in Business Administration. After his CEO role, Sijbesma became Honorary Chairman of DSM and holds key positions in other leading organizations, such as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips and member of the Supervisory Board of Unilever. He also advises various CEOs and companies.
Climate Adaptation and International Collaboration
Sijbesma is co-chair of the Global Centers on Climate Adaptation and plays a prominent role at the World Bank as a Climate Leader, focusing on CO2 pricing. He is involved with the World Economic Forum, founder and chair of the CEO Climate Leaders alliance, and holds advisory roles at Africa Improved Foods and The Ocean Cleanup. He has been recognized with several awards, including the UN Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Lecture
Feike Sijbesma is a valuable speaker for companies due to his successful experience as a global business leader. With his in-depth knowledge of societal trends, sustainability, climate, biodiversity, circularity, innovation, and leadership, he can guide companies in tackling challenges and developing profitable strategies. His expertise makes him an influential speaker on sustainability, innovation, transformation, and leadership.
National Negotiation Award
In 2023, Feike Sijbesma was named winner of the first National Negotiation Award, organized by the Dutch Association of Professional Negotiators (NLBVO). The award was created to raise awareness of the importance of negotiation in the Netherlands.
It is a lifetime achievement award. Feike Sijbesma won for negotiations he conducted for DSM, Philips, Lightyear, and as a government envoy during the coronavirus crisis. The jury, chaired by Marry De Gaay Fortman (partner and lawyer at Houthoff), praised Sijbesma for a style characterized by active listening, also known as ‘superlistening.’ Feike truly listens to understand and can set himself aside in the process. He has a strong compass that allows him to navigate complex situations. He serves as a role model and a prime example of the results that skilled negotiators can achieve,” said De Gaay Fortman.
