1 Vision, 2 Families, 120 Years

Nov 2017- At the Fourth China Family Business Succession Forum & CEIBS 6th China Family Heritage Forum 2017, co-organised by China Family Business Review and China Europe International Business School, Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of sister company Jebsen Group, delivered a keynote address.

He spoke at the November 26 event in Shanghai, in the presence of family business leaders and successors from 18 countries and regions around the world. “Emotional and spiritual values are both worth protecting and nurturing. Every business decision must be made with the consideration of whether it is in line with the soul of the company,” said Mr Jebsen.

He revealed that the key to building a family business that can last across generations is to share similar values. With a set of shared values, the business will remain united even when faced with difficulties.

“Over the course of more than a century, my family has firmly grasped the significance of fostering deep bonds of trust in the development of a company,” he said.

While these serve as the foundation of a business and should remain unchanging, Mr Jebsen spoke of change as well.

“In this era of rapid growth, we need to resist a mentality that tells us that we hold all the answers. We need to seek ideas and opinions from younger generations. Communication, humility, and the ability to listen are all important. The desire and heart to gain knowledge will never cease to be significant,” he said.

Following his keynote address, Mr Jebsen participated in a high-level roundtable discussion with fellow business leaders.