Philips 2008 Annual Report Download - page 14

Our company was founded in Eindhoven
(Netherlands) in 1891 by Anton and Gerard
Philips to manufacture incandescent lamps and
other electrical products. Ever since then, our
innovations have been making people’s lives
simpler, more enjoyable and more productive.
Based on a deep understanding of what people
really need and want, and delivering on our promise
of simplicity, we empower our customers – both
healthcare and lighting professionals and end-
consumers – with solutions that are advanced, yet
designed around them and easy to experience.
We see exciting opportunities in both mature and
emerging markets and apply our competence in
marketing, design and technology to capture value
from major economic, social and demographic trends,
for example the growing demand for better healthcare
at lower cost, consumer empowerment, the rise of
emerging markets and the need for energy effi ciency.
At the same time, we are committed to enhancing
economic prosperity, environmental quality and
social equity wherever we operate.
Our company
Our mission
We improve the quality of people’s
lives through the timely introduction
of meaningful innovations.
Our vision
In a world where complexity increasingly
touches every aspect of our daily lives,
we will lead in bringing sense and simplicity
to people.
Our brand promise
We empower people to benefi t from
innovation by delivering on our brand
promise of “sense and simplicity”.
This brand promise encapsulates our
commitment to deliver solutions that
are advanced, easy to use, and designed
around the needs of all our users.
Our organization
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Healthcare•
Consumer Lifestyle•
Lighting•
Philips Annual Report 200814
18
We care about...
8
Message from
the President
6
Performance highlights
14
Who we are
42
Our group performance