The international business community is mourning the loss of one of the Netherlands’ most prominent and visionary entrepreneurs. John Fentener van Vlissingen, the founder of BCD Group and the investment firm BORON, passed away on December 11 at the age of 86. The announcement was made by his family, who stated that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
Born into the influential family behind SHV Holdings, John Fentener van Vlissingen chose to forge his own independent path rather than following the traditional family career track. In 1975, he founded the company that would eventually become the BCD Group, a global empire that today employs over 15,000 people across dozens of countries. Under his leadership, BCD Travel grew into one of the world’s largest corporate travel management companies, driven by his early realization that technology and digital innovation would fundamentally reshape the industry.
His approach to entrepreneurship was defined by a steadfast belief in the strength of family-owned businesses and a focus on long-term stability over short-term gains. He famously maintained that in business, there is no finish line, a philosophy he lived by as he remained active and deeply involved in the direction of his companies well into his eighties. His lifelong contributions were widely recognized on the global stage, earning him a place in the Business Travel Hall of Fame and numerous other accolades for his impact on the travel and technology sectors. In recent years, he carefully managed the transition of his legacy to the next generations, with several of his grandchildren joining the boards of BCD and BORON to ensure the continuity of the family organization.
Beyond his professional success, Fentener van Vlissingen was a dedicated philanthropist and a passionate protector of cultural heritage. Alongside his wife, Marine, he established several foundations focused on supporting children in need, wildlife conservation, and the arts. His commitment to his Dutch roots was exemplified by his investment in Royal Delft, the centuries-old porcelain manufacturer, helping to preserve a vital piece of Dutch history for future generations. He also became a champion for family businesses in the Netherlands, founding an organization to celebrate their vital role in the national economy.
With the passing of John Fentener van Vlissingen, the business world loses a leader who successfully combined commercial ambition with a deep sense of social responsibility and human connection. To honor his life and work, the family has opened a memorial page on the Boron website, where employees and colleagues from around the world are invited to share their condolences and memories.
