Maarten van den Bergh, American-Dutch businessman

Maarten Albert van den Bergh, a name synonymous with robust leadership in both the energy sector and global finance, was born on April 19, 1942, in New York City. This Dutch businessman has carved out a distinguished career marked by significant roles at multinational corporations and influential board positions across various industries.

A Legacy Rooted in Business and Public Service

Van den Bergh hails from a family with a profound legacy in commerce and public service. He is the son of Maria Meijers (1905–1957) and Sidney James van den Bergh, a figure of considerable stature who served as a long-term chairman of the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever and later as the Dutch Minister of Defense in 1959. His lineage extends even further into the annals of corporate history, as his grandfather, Samuel van den Bergh, was one of the visionary founders of Unilever itself. This strong family background undoubtedly provided a foundational understanding of large-scale international business operations and a commitment to leadership.

Distinguished Career at Royal Dutch Shell

Maarten van den Bergh's professional journey began and largely unfolded over 32 impactful years at Royal Dutch Shell, one of the world's foremost energy companies. During his extensive tenure, he demonstrated exceptional acumen and leadership, steadily rising through the ranks. His dedication and strategic insights saw him ascend to the esteemed position of president, a testament to his influence within the organization. Further solidifying his leadership role, he also served as vice-president of the committee of managing directors, playing a pivotal role in steering the global operations of the Shell Group.

Transition to Financial Services and Extensive Board Engagements

In 2001, van den Bergh embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from the energy sector to financial services. He left Royal Dutch Shell to assume the significant role of chairman at Lloyds TSB, a prominent financial services company headquartered in the United Kingdom. This move highlighted his versatility and ability to lead across diverse industries.

Beyond his executive roles, van den Bergh has maintained a wide-ranging presence on the supervisory and non-executive boards of several major international corporations, underscoring his extensive expertise and continued influence:

• Akzo Nobel NV: He joined the Supervisory Board in 2005, became Deputy Chairman until May 2006, and then served as Chairman of Akzo Nobel's Supervisory Board from May 2006 to February 2009.
• BT Group Plc: His involvement with the telecommunications giant spanned from September 1, 2000, as a Non-Executive Director. He later took on the role of Deputy Chairman from October 1, 2006, with both positions concluding on July 15, 2009.
• Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies: Prior to leaving Shell, he served as Vice Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors from 1998 to 2000. Post-departure, he continued to contribute as a Member of the Supervisory Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc from 2000 to July 4, 2005, and as a Non-Executive Director of Royal Dutch Shell Plc since October 2004. He also held roles as a Non-Executive Director and Member of the Supervisory Board for Royal Dutch Petroleum Company from 2000.
• Lloyds Banking Group plc / Lloyds TSB Bank Plc: His leadership extended to the financial sector, where he served as Deputy Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group plc since 2000. Additionally, he was a Director of Lloyds TSB Bank Plc until May 11, 2006, and a Non-Executive Director of Lloyds Banking Group plc from 2000 to May 2006.
• International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. (IAG): From July 2002 to January 2011, van den Bergh served as an Independent Non-executive Director for IAG, the parent company of airlines like British Airways and Iberia.

Recognized Influence

His significant contributions and powerful presence in the business world did not go unnoticed. In 2005, the prestigious British newspaper The Times acknowledged his immense influence by naming him the most powerful businessman in Great Britain, a testament to his strategic impact and respected position within the corporate landscape.

FAQs

Who is Maarten Albert van den Bergh?

Maarten Albert van den Bergh is a prominent Dutch businessman born in New York City, known for his long and distinguished career in the energy and financial sectors, holding high-level executive and board positions.

What is Maarten van den Bergh's family background?

He comes from a distinguished family with deep roots in business and public service. His father, Sidney James van den Bergh, was a long-term chairman of Unilever and a Dutch Minister of Defense, while his grandfather, Samuel van den Bergh, was one of the co-founders of Unilever.

What were his key roles at Royal Dutch Shell?

During his 32 years at Royal Dutch Shell, he rose to the position of president and also served as vice-president of the committee of managing directors.

Which major companies did he serve on the board of?

Beyond his executive roles, he held significant board positions at companies including Akzo Nobel NV, BT Group Plc, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, Lloyds Banking Group plc, Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, and International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. (IAG).

What was his role at Lloyds TSB?

He became chairman of Lloyds TSB, a UK-based financial services company, in 2001 after leaving Royal Dutch Shell. He also served as Deputy Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group plc and as a Director of Lloyds TSB Bank Plc.

What significant recognition did Maarten van den Bergh receive?

In 2005, The Times newspaper named him the "most powerful businessman in Great Britain" for his extensive influence and contributions to the corporate world.