Morris Tabaksblat

Morris Tabaksblat

Morris Tabaksblat (1937-2011) was a prominent Dutch businessman known for his significant contributions to the field of corporate governance. He served as the chairman of Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, and later played a pivotal role in the development of the Tabaksblat Code, a set of guidelines for corporate governance in the Netherlands.

Early Life and Education

Tabaksblat was born in 1937 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He studied law at Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. After graduating, he joined Unilever as a management trainee in 1964.

Career at Unilever

Tabaksblat spent his entire professional career at Unilever, rising through the ranks to become chairman in 1994. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes in the company's structure and operations, including the consolidation of its food and personal care businesses. He retired from Unilever in 1999.

Tabaksblat Code

After his retirement from Unilever, Tabaksblat was appointed to lead a committee tasked with developing a set of guidelines for corporate governance in the Netherlands. The resulting document, known as the Tabaksblat Code, was published in 2003. It outlined best practices for board composition, executive compensation, and shareholder rights, among other areas. The Tabaksblat Code has since been adopted by many Dutch companies and has influenced corporate governance standards internationally.

Legacy

Tabaksblat's impact on corporate governance continues to be felt today. His work on the Tabaksblat Code has helped shape the way companies are managed and governed, both in the Netherlands and around the world. He is remembered as a visionary leader who championed transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.

See Also

• Corporate Governance
• Unilever
• Leiden University