Royal Philips, the global health technology leader, has unveiled significant proposed changes to its corporate governance structure, including a new appointment and multiple re-appointments to its Supervisory Board, alongside the continuation of its current chief executive officer.
New Supervisory Board Appointment
The company's Supervisory Board will present a proposal to shareholders at the 2026 Annual General Meeting to appoint John DeFord as a new member. DeFord, an American executive born in 1962, brings extensive experience from the medical device industry as a recognized global technology leader.
DeFord's Professional Background
His recommendation stems from deep expertise in regulatory affairs and quality systems, particularly within the United States framework, along with a strong track record in innovation and product development. Currently serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samothrace Medical Innovations since 2021, DeFord previously held the position of Chief Technology Officer at Becton Dickinson.
His career includes senior leadership roles at C.R. Bard, and he maintains non-executive board positions at several prominent organizations including Nordson Corporation, Globus Medical, Inc., Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc., and Enable Injections Inc.
Supervisory Board Re-appointments
In addition to the new appointment, Philips will propose the re-appointment of three current Supervisory Board members: Paul Stoffels (Belgian, 1962), Herna Verhagen (Dutch, 1966), and Sanjay Poonen (American, 1969).
Value of Continuing Leadership
These re-appointments are recommended based on the nominees' valuable contributions to the Supervisory Board and their proven track records as global business leaders across medical and health technology sectors, as well as digital transformation initiatives. Their combined expertise and leadership remain crucial as Philips advances its strategic priorities, including innovation enhancement, patient safety improvements, and disciplined execution to expand access to quality healthcare.
Board Departure and CEO Continuity
Marc Harrison (American, 1964) will conclude his service on the Supervisory Board when his second term expires at the end of the 2026 AGM. Harrison joined the board in 2018 and has completed two consecutive terms of valuable service.
Feike Sijbesma, Chairman of Philips' Supervisory Board, expressed gratitude for Harrison's contributions: "On behalf of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Marc Harrison for his valuable counsel and contributions over the past eight years."
Sijbesma also welcomed the proposed new member: "We welcome John DeFord to Philips' Supervisory Board. He is a highly regarded global technology leader with extensive experience as a senior MedTech executive, bringing interventional domain knowledge and deep expertise in innovation, technical, regulatory, quality, and U.S. FDA matters."
Additionally, the company has proposed the re-appointment of Roy Jakobs as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Management, maintaining leadership continuity as Philips continues to execute its strategic vision in the competitive health technology landscape.
