G.J. Kleisterlee

Gerard Kleisterlee was appointed president/CEO of Philips and chairman of the Board of Management as per April 30, 2001.

Born in Germany in 1946, he attended Eindhoven Technical University, graduating with a degree in Electronic Engineering. He started his career with Philips in 1974 with the Medical Systems division, holding a number of positions in manufacturing management.

In 1981, he became general manager of the Professional Audio Systems product group (now part of Consumer Electronics). He joined Philips Components in 1986, and after becoming general manager of Philips Display Components for Europe, he was appointed managing director of Philips Display Components Worldwide in 1994. He became president of Philips Taiwan and regional manager for Philips Components in Asia-Pacific in 1996. He was also responsible for the activities of the Philips group in China from September 1997 to June 1998. From January 1, 1999 to September 1, 2000 he was president/CEO of Philips Components.

Mr. Kleisterlee has been a member of the Group Management Committee since January 1, 1999 and executive vice president of Royal Philips Electronics and a member of the Board of Management as per April 1, 2000. He was appointed chief operating officer of Philips on September 1, 2000. Since July 16, 2001, Mr. Kleisterlee has been chairman of the Supervisory Board of Eindhoven Technical University.