# Koninklijke Philips NV

> Dutch multinational conglomerate corporation

**Wikidata**: [Q170416](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170416)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philips)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/philips

## Summary

Koninklijke Philips NV was founded on May 15, 1891[1] by Frederik Philips and Gerard Philips[1] as a naamloze vennootschap. The company operates in the electronics industry, electrical industry, and consumer electronics industry[2]. Koninklijke Philips NV is led by CEO Roy Jakobs[3][4] and produces software[5]. As of 2018, the company had 77k employees[6].

## Summary
Koninklijke Philips NV is a Dutch multinational conglomerate corporation founded in 1891, renowned for its contributions to electronics, healthcare technology, and lighting. Headquartered in Amsterdam, it operates globally with a diverse portfolio spanning consumer electronics, medical systems, and digital solutions. Recognized as a leader in innovation, Philips has significantly impacted industries through iconic products like the compact cassette, LED lighting, and advanced medical imaging systems.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: May 15, 1891, by Gerard Philips and Anton Philips in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
- **Headquarters**: Amsterdam, Netherlands (legal); Eindhoven, Netherlands (operational).
- **Revenue**: €18.12 billion (2023), €17.16 billion (2022).
- **Employees**: 77,400 (2023), 81,592 (2022).
- **Subsidiaries**: Philips Lighting (Signify), Philips Healthcare, Philips Consumer Lifestyle, and others.
- **Stock Exchange**: Listed on Euronext Amsterdam (ticker: PHIA).
- **Awards**: Recipient of the European Innovation Award, Red Dot Design Award, and the iF Design Award.
- **Notable Products**: Compact cassette, CD player, LED lighting, MRI scanners, and the Philips Hue smart lighting system.
- **Founders**: Gerard Philips and Anton Philips.
- **CEO**: Roy Jakobs (as of 2023).
- **Industry**: Electronics, healthcare technology, lighting.
- **Website**: philips.com.

## FAQs
**What is Koninklijke Philips NV known for?**
Koninklijke Philips NV is known for its pioneering work in electronics, healthcare technology, and lighting, producing iconic products like the compact cassette, LED bulbs, and advanced medical imaging systems.

**When and where was Philips founded?**
Philips was founded on May 15, 1891, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, by Gerard and Anton Philips.

**What are Philips' main business divisions?**
Philips operates through three primary divisions: HealthTech (medical systems), Consumer Lifestyle (home appliances and personal care), and Lighting (now Signify).

**What notable awards has Philips received?**
Philips has received multiple Red Dot Design Awards, iF Design Awards, and the European Innovation Award for its contributions to design and technology.

**Who are Philips' key competitors?**
Key competitors include Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Osram Lighting.

## Why It Matters
Koninklijke Philips NV has been a driving force in technological innovation for over 130 years, transforming industries from entertainment to healthcare. Its contributions, such as the development of the compact cassette and advancements in medical imaging, have reshaped consumer electronics and healthcare practices globally. Philips' commitment to sustainability and design excellence has positioned it as a leader in responsible innovation, addressing critical challenges in healthcare accessibility and energy efficiency. The company's evolution from a lighting manufacturer to a diversified technology conglomerate reflects its adaptability and foresight in meeting societal needs.

## Notable For
- **Innovation Legacy**: Pioneered the compact cassette (1963), CD player (1982), and LED lighting.
- **Healthcare Impact**: Developed groundbreaking medical technologies, including MRI and CT scanners.
- **Sustainability Commitment**: Committed to carbon neutrality and circular economy practices.
- **Global Presence**: Operates in over 100 countries with a workforce exceeding 77,000 employees.
- **Royal Title**: Holds the Dutch "Koninklijke" (Royal) designation since 1998.
- **Design Excellence**: Recipient of numerous international design awards for product innovation.

## Body

### History and Founding
Koninklijke Philips NV was established in 1891 by Gerard Philips and his father Anton in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Initially producing carbon-filament lamps, the company expanded into electronics, introducing the first radio in 1927 and the compact cassette in 1963. Philips' acquisition of Magnavox in 1974 marked its entry into the global consumer electronics market.

### Organizational Structure
Philips operates through three core divisions:
- **HealthTech**: Focuses on medical imaging, patient monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
- **Consumer Lifestyle**: Includes personal care products, sleep and respiratory care, and home appliances.
- **Lighting (Signify)**: Specializes in LED lighting solutions and smart lighting systems.

### Key Products and Innovations
- **Compact Cassette (1963)**: Revolutionized portable audio.
- **CD Player (1982)**: Co-developed with Sony, transforming music distribution.
- **MRI and CT Scanners**: Advanced medical diagnostics through high-resolution imaging.
- **Philips Hue (2012)**: Smart LED lighting system integrating with home automation.

### Global Operations and Impact
With operations in over 100 countries, Philips employs 77,400 people worldwide (2023). Its healthcare technologies are used in hospitals globally, improving patient outcomes through advanced diagnostics and treatment solutions. The company's sustainability initiatives aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, emphasizing energy-efficient products and circular design principles.

### Leadership and Governance
As of 2023, Roy Jakobs serves as CEO, leading Philips' strategic focus on health technology and sustainability. The company is governed by a supervisory board ensuring compliance with global standards and ethical practices.

### Awards and Recognition
Philips has garnered international acclaim for design and innovation, including multiple Red Dot and iF Design Awards. Its healthcare solutions have received recognition for improving patient care and operational efficiency in medical settings.

### Subsidiaries and Acquisitions
Notable subsidiaries include Signify (lighting), Philips Healthcare, and Philips Respironics. Strategic acquisitions, such as the 2015 acquisition of Volcano Corporation, have strengthened its position in cardiovascular care.

### Cultural and Economic Influence
Philips' products have become cultural icons, from the cassette tape to smart home devices. The company's economic impact extends to job creation, R&D investment, and contributions to global trade, with revenue exceeding €18 billion in 2023.

### Challenges and Controversies
Philips has faced challenges related to product recalls, such as the 2021 CPAP machine recall, and competition in fast-evolving tech markets. The company has navigated these issues through transparency and innovation, maintaining its market leadership.

### Legacy and Future Directions
Philips continues to prioritize innovation in health technology, addressing global healthcare challenges such as aging populations and chronic disease management. Its commitment to sustainability and digital transformation positions it as a key player in shaping the future of healthcare and consumer electronics.

## References

1. [2019](https://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/onderwerpen/onderscheidingen/predicaat-koninklijk/overzicht-predicaat-koninklijk)
2. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/koninklijke-philips?rid=035366013790-68)
3. [Source](http://resources.huygens.knaw.nl/bwn1880-2000/lemmata/bwn3/philips)
4. [Source](https://studio040.nl/nieuws/artikel/voormalig-philips-hoofdkantoor-boschdijk-wordt-rijksmonument)
5. [Q123294566](http://www.nationaalontwerparchief.nl/ontwerper/Philips)
6. RKDartists
7. [Source](https://www.boijmans.nl/en/collection/artworks/110038/radio)
8. [Source](https://bigbrotherawards.de/2006)
9. [Source](http://www.dutchheights.nl/prijzen/rotterdam-designprijs)
10. [Source](https://www.dutchdesignawards.nl/gallery/designline-hd-tv/)
11. [Source](https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2022/20220816-philips-announces-ceo-succession.html)
12. [Source](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/08/18/2500534/0/en/Philips-to-convene-Extraordinary-General-Meeting-of-Shareholders-to-appoint-Roy-Jakobs-as-new-President-and-Chief-Executive-Officer.html)
13. GRID Release 2017-01-10
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. 20th Century Press Archives
16. Philips Interactive Media, Inc.. MobyGames
17. [Source](https://live.euronext.com/en/product/equities/NL0000009538-XAMS)
18. Polygon.io
19. MusicBrainz
20. [Source](https://www.wi-fi.org/membership/member-companies)
21. [Q123294566](http://www.nationaalontwerparchief.nl/archieven-lijst/1001962)
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. Czech National Authority Database
24. National Software Reference Library
25. [Source](https://www.results.philips.com/publications/ar18?type=annual-report)
26. [Philips Annual Report 2021 SEC 20-F](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000313216/000031321621000008/phg-20201231.htm)
27. [Source](http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids)
28. [collectiesite stadsarchief Rotterdam](http://collecties.stadsarchief.rotterdam.nl/publiek/detail.aspx?xmldescid=853110)
29. [Radio, vervaardigd door Philips, ca. 1935](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/85c149fe-808a-d523-7144-4f066bb8a5b7)
30. [Source](https://www.philips.de/c-w/aktion/philips_auf_facebook)
31. [Philips Annual Report 2021](https://www.results.philips.com/publications/q421/downloads/pdf/en/philips-fourth-quarter-results-2021-report.pdf)
32. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/overview/PHG.AS)
33. [Forbes Philips (PHG) Stock Key Data](https://www.forbes.com/companies/philips)
34. GRID Release 2015-12-14
35. GRID Release 2016-12-06
36. Quora
37. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=130.141.0.0+-+130.141.255.255&type=inetnum)
38. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=130.142.0.0+-+130.143.255.255&type=inetnum)
39. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZneuDnLKItwzVkXLI_rUA)
40. [San Francisco Museum of Modern Art online collection](https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/Royal_Philips_Electronics)
41. [Source](http://www.nationaalontwerparchief.nl/ontwerper/Philips)
42. [Source](https://www.boijmans.nl/en/collection/artworks/156023/)
43. [Source](https://www.centraalmuseum.nl/nl/maker/eindhoven-philips)
44. [Philinealamp in armatuur. 2000](https://collectie.nieuweinstituut.nl/detail/objects/11810)
45. [Source](http://collecties.stadsarchief.rotterdam.nl/publiek/detail.aspx?xmldescid=136337198)
46. [microfoon van metaal, afkomstig uit de voormalige Philipsschool te Zaltbommel  1956](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/e9ce51b3-523e-5f74-95fe-ac8183aca0fa)
47. [Reclame plaat van Philips ca 1920](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/0109842b-bd7f-3a27-2200-7b27dfac436e)
48. [Afstandsbediening, Oostenrijk, circa 1983](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/dd9daa4f-f376-52fa-ac85-3cd9e00e5f6b)
49. [Televisietoestel van Philips, circa 1955](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/996f9424-e0eb-5c7e-8540-664904aa3f88)
50. [Laserdisc 'Amsterdam 1992' ter promotie van de Olympische Spelen 1992 Amsterdam, Philips, 1986](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/bb720a35-dab2-ea6f-a53b-abcac3538aeb)