Blue peasant smock

In 1971 Frits Philips turned 65. His fortieth anniversary with Philips almost coincided with the end of his presidency. In the Philips Recreational Center the guest of honor was placed firmly in the limelight. Workers came from all over Europe ready to perform sketches as part of a variety show. Frits Philips himself, clad in a blue peasant smock, gave a humor-packed speech in the Brabant dialect, as had become his custom at such festivities. Delighted as he was to see the many international holders of high office, he was equally pleased to note the presence of De Emmers, the machine works carnival club of which he was an honorary member. He said his ten years as president had flown past. And no, it was not at all lonely at the top. That was simply not his style.

There was still plenty to be done. Until 1977, he remained closely involved in the company as chairman of the Supervisory Board. He also held numerous positions outside Philips, most of them advisory. Frits Philips accepted the fact that he was no longer the one to call the shots in the company. But that did not prevent him from handing out well-meaning advice to his successors. ‘Whether he follows it up or not is his own responsibility,’ he would say at such occasions.