Past winners

2018 De Agostini

De Agostini Group, a third- to fifth-generation family enterprise, has been recognized for its ability to evolve from a traditional publishing house to a global investment holding in just two decades.

2017 Pentland Group plc

Pentland Group plc is a family-owned global company operating in the areas of sports, fashion and outdoor clothing and equipment through three divisions.

2016 Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise

The various business units of the Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise operate as independent entities, shouldering their respective responsibilities while subscribing to the vision and philosophy of their founding fathers.

2015 Bavaria

As the Swinkels family sees it, each generation has the brewery on loan from the next generation. Continuity is the key driver. Bavaria’s motivator is to hand over the business to the children and grand children in optimum condition.

2014 Ayala Corporation

Ayala Corporation is the holding company of one of the oldest, largest and most respected business groups in the Philippines.

2013 J. M. Huber Corporation

Huber is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. As the company welcomes its sixth generation of Huber family members, it continues to carry on the legacy of Joseph Maria Huber.

2012 Bel Group

Bel has maintained the values that have turned the family-operated company into a world leader in branded cheeses. These values include an entrepreneurial spirit, a sustainable business model, and a willingness to empower its 11,400 employees.

2011 Firmenich

Firmenich is the world’s largest privately-owned company in the fragrance and flavor industry and in its 4th generation of family-owned leadership.

2009 The Merck Group

“Courage and pioneering spirit” are core family values that have been translated into successful innovation management and market leader positioning in specialty segments at Merck.

2008 Roca Corporacion Empresarial

Roca dedicates 90% of annual pre-tax profits to projects aimed at saving water, developing new technologies, discovering better ways of doing things and expanding into new markets.

2007 Yazaki Corporation

Yazaki Corporation distinguished itself by its success in blending family and business interests and its responsibility to society and the environment

2006 Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.

Through the Foundation, the Lopez family coordinates the social responsibility measures its business group which is active in communications, energy, infrastructure and real estate.

2006 Ivey Foundation

The Ivey Foundation’s mission, to improve the well-being of Canadians by focusing its energy and resources on selected issues of significance, has been carried out actively by three generations.

2006 Fundació Lluís Carulla

The Lluis Carulla Foundation has carried out important and continuous cultural and educational work and this has had positive social repercussions which have received institutional and social recognition at the highest level.

2005 Votorantim Group

The Group has instituted a series of educational and professional development programs to provide the necessary skills for a successful career – whether in or out of the family business.

2004 The Barilla Group

The Barilla Group is not only the largest Italian food processing business but also the world market leader for pasta products

2003 The Bonnier Group

The Bonnier Group is a leading Scandinavian diversified media conglomerate of over 200 privately owned companies.

2002 The Samuel C. Johnson Family Enterprises

The SC Johnson Family Enterprises are known to the world over for market leadership in consumer – packaged goods, institutional cleaning products and services, recreational products and financial services industries.

2001 The Murugappa Group

The Group included then seven substantial business units comprising 27 companies in a variety of industries.

2000 The Zegna Group

The Zegna Group is a totally integrated business, controlling the entire value chain from raw materials right through to the final sale of a finished product to the customer.

1999 The Henkel Group

The Henkel Group, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a large family controlled business active in detergents, chemical products, adhesives, hygiene and surface technologies.

1998 Corporacion Puig

The Barcelona-based Corporacion Puig is one of the few remaining family-owned perfume and fashion houses.

1997 Hermès S.A.

Known as the world’s ultimate luxury business, Hermès SA is a French manufacturer and marketer of upscale luggage, apparel and accessories.

1996 The LEGO Group

The LEGO Group is a leading global manufacturer of creative construction and educational toys and owner of the family parks, Legoland.

Past winners

Contact us regarding the Award

IMD Global Family Business Award

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