Frits van Paasschen

Frits van Paasschen is a seasoned global executive and the author of "The Disruptors’ Feast," an Amazon #1 best-seller. His thirty years of experience inside global companies afford him a unique perspective on the trends reshaping the global economy. He is recognized for his insights on leadership, technology, and global economic trends, and uses this knowledge to guide organizations through periods of significant change.

Frits spent more than a decade as a Fortune 500 CEO, first at Coors Brewing Company and then at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. He also held several management positions at Nike, ultimately becoming Nike’s President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Prior to joining Nike, he worked in finance in Disney's Consumer Products Division. His career began at The Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey & Company, where he primarily served retail and consumer clients. Notably, he kickstarted the growth of Coors Light with a temperature-sensitive label and reversed 20 years of decline for Coors Banquet by repositioning the brand. At Starwood, he moved the global headquarters to Dubai and Shanghai temporarily to deepen market engagement and spearheaded innovations such as keyless entry and personalized services, which significantly enhanced the SPG program.

Frits is a frequent keynote speaker and advisor with a focus on business disruption, innovation, and strategic direction. He is a Senior Advisor at TPG Capital and serves on the board of directors for several companies including Williams-Sonoma, DSM-Firmenich AG, and recently, J. Crew. Additionally, he holds advisory roles with Russell Reynolds and several startups such as rePurpose Global. His experience also includes serving as a Non-Executive Director at Barclays, Jones Apparel, and Oakley, among other significant roles.

Frits holds a BA in Economics and Biology from Amherst College and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Teaching Fellow in Economics. Originally from the Netherlands, he holds dual U.S. and Dutch citizenship. A passionate traveler, he speaks five languages and has visited over 125 countries, adding depth to his global viewpoint. His personal interests include endurance sports, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining performance in challenging environments.