The considered C-suite executives who run Fortune 500 Europe firms, that are the area’s largest by income, would possibly conjure adjectives like “busy” and “hardworking.”
But it surely’s not all about work. The play issues simply as a lot, particularly as these prime leaders juggle high-stakes jobs with their private ambitions.
CEOs flip to hobbies to deal with the calls for of their work and assist them dedicate time to issues they like to do, no matter how tight their schedules are, the Harvard Enterprise Overview present in 2018. There are additionally management advantages to doing so.
Nonetheless, it’s much less widespread and positively doesn’t dominate the narrative (until the chief is into DJ-ing or excessive sports activities, for example).
We requested just a few Fortune 500 Europe executives what they do when not at work and the way they carve time for it amid their busy schedules.
Roy Jakobs, CEO, Royal Philips: Fittest Manner Ahead
Jakobs has been main the Dutch well being tech firm since 2022. The polyglot likes spending his time doing a mixture of issues, together with taking part in sports activities and spending time together with his household.
“I’m up early Saturday morning to play tennis and I run through the week, also when I’m traveling. After a busy week, cooking with my family is a great way for us to catch up, but skiing together is the ultimate family time,” Jakobs instructed Fortune.
“And then there’s football. I play every week and have been doing so since I was very young. There’s nothing like team sport, just like working at Philips. I recently played in a friendly football match with colleagues in China. It was a lot of fun. Above all, I want to be moving and doing things with my family. Given it’s all connected to health and happiness, I’m quite determined every week to protect this time in my agenda.”
Joanna Value, Chief Company Affairs Officer, Heineken: Thoughts-Benders
Value was appointed within the C-suite function on the Amsterdam-based brewer final summer season. She has labored the world over in roles at Coca-Cola and Information Corp. Her favourite pass-time is fixing jigsaw puzzles, of which she owns over 40 units in numerous varieties, Value instructed Fortune.
“One of the things I love most is how puzzles help me stay present. Sorting through pieces and searching for the right fit demands full attention, leaving little room for distraction,” she mentioned.
“Whether it’s a challenging jigsaw puzzle or a logic-based puzzle, the activity provides a sense of order and clarity that does not always exist in my day. It’s not just about fitting pieces together; it’s about creating a space where I can concentrate, exercise patience, and step away from the demands of work and other responsibilities.”
Whereas it might appear to be a distinct segment curiosity, Value sees puzzle-solving as greater than only a passion.
“It’s a peaceful, screen-free way to recharge, offering both a mental workout and a much-needed break from the pace of daily life,” she mentioned.
Roland Busch, CEO, Siemens: Go Onerous or Go Residence
Busch has spent over thirty years of his profession on the German tech firm and has been its CEO for practically 4 years. A educated physicist, Busch has a big selection of pursuits which have saved him sharp all through company life.
“Back in the day, I competed in the decathlon and handball, which is all about testing both your physical endurance and mental strength. It taught me so much about perseverance, adaptability, and team play — skills I still rely on today,” Busch instructed Fortune, including that he sometimes begins his day at a health studio both at Siemens or in accommodations.
Alongside the best way, he discovered new health streams, akin to high-intensity coaching (HIT) and leaping rope, which, he says, have saved him prepared for the “mental decathlon” that his job requires.
“I am, by nature, a curious person, so I went all in—I even started making my own jumping ropes and got quite a few colleagues hooked on the hobby,” Busch mentioned.
The Siemens chief additionally units apart time for endeavors past bodily health.
“I have a deep passion for reading. I dive into topics like quantum physics, AI, climate change, and global economics. One of my favorite books is ‘The Machinery of Life’ by David S. Goodsell. For this holiday season, I already packed ‘Homo Deus’ by Y.N. Harari and ‘Why we sleep’ by M. Walker.”
Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman & CEO, Chivas Brothers: All-Spherical Well being
Gourgues served because the managing director of wine and spirits big Pernod Ricard earlier than turning into the CEO and chairman of its Scotch Whisky arm, Chivas Brothers. The chief has been bestowed the distinctive honor of the Keeper of the Quaich, a world society devoted to these serving the Scotch Whisky trade.
Gourgues could be steeped within the elite world of liqueur, however his passion outdoors work is all about well being and wellness.
“Staying active is my number one priority and is one of the ways I keep both mentally and physically healthy. Exercise has been a focal point of my life for as long as I can remember and is first on my agenda each day–everything else is built around that,” he instructed Fortune.
“My favourite forms of movement are running – for me, this is a type of active meditation, as well as reformer Pilates, which is great for structure. Prioritising this allows me to live my life in the most impactful way possible, as an individual, family man, friend and leader, all at once.”
Conny Kalcher, Chief Buyer Officer, Zurich Insurance coverage: The World is your Oyster
Kalcher joined the insurer when it constructed a devoted buyer workplace division in 2019 to give attention to the corporate’s digital presence. Previous to that, she had a three-decade profession at Lego, the toymaker.
Though Kalcher has seen the world by her skilled profession, she considers touring a type of studying because it “opens my mind to new perspectives whilst at the same time allowing me to relax and recharge before the business eventually kicks in again.”
“Earlier this year, I traveled to Borneo, staying in the tropical rainforest and experiencing firsthand how Zurich is supporting the re-forestation in Sabah, bringing back indigenous plants and trees and restoring the biodiversity,” she instructed Fortune.
“This Christmas, my husband and I are traveling to Taiwan, exploring the country’s unspoiled nature, visiting the magical Sun Moon Lake, and enjoying a natural wellness experience at the hot spring baths in the hills of Guguan.”
A model of this story was initially printed on Fortune.com on December 28, 2024.
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
