The Philips story
Gerard Philips and his father Frederik founded Philips in Eindhoven in 1891 to make light bulbs. Gerard's brother Anton joined and built the sales network. Philips grew into a pioneer of radios, televisions, the audio cassette (1963) and the compact disc, developed with Sony (1982).
What makes Philips powerful
Philips is one of the most recognised Dutch brands. It has reinvented itself as a health technology company, focused on diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring and personal health products such as Sonicare toothbrushes and shavers.
Philips today
Koninklijke Philips N.V. is listed in Amsterdam and New York and led by Roy Jakobs. The company sold its lighting business, now Signify, and its domestic appliances business. It has worked through a major recall of sleep apnoea devices.
What comes next for Philips
Philips's task is to rebuild trust after the recall and grow its health technology business.
Why Philips ranks #64
Brand Positioning & Recall (76.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (70.0) carry Philips's Power Score of 68.40.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
3 Healthcare & Pharma brands are in the Europe 100. Philips is #3 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Philips in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Philips ranks #64 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 68.40 out of 100.
When was Philips founded and who founded it?
Philips was founded in 1891. Founder(s): Gerard and Frederik Philips.
What is Philips's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Philips's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Philips today?
Roy Jakobs, CEO. The brand is owned by Koninklijke Philips N.V..
Where is Philips headquartered?
Philips is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its country of origin is Netherlands.
What is Philips's revenue?
€17.8bn group sales (FY2025, +2% comparable), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Philips?
Philips co-developed the audio cassette (1963) and the compact disc (1982).
Key facts
| Brand | Philips |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Koninklijke Philips N.V. |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Founder(s) | Gerard and Frederik Philips |
| Leadership | Roy Jakobs, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €17.8bn group sales (FY2025, +2% comparable) Source |
| Sector | Healthcare & Pharma |
| Country of origin | Netherlands |
| Signature fact | Philips co-developed the audio cassette (1963) and the compact disc (1982). |
| Official website | philips.com |
Philips is ranked #64 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 68.40).