Former CEO of Coors & Best-Selling Author of ‘The Disruptors’ Feast’, Specialist in Disruption, Leadership & Strategic Transformation
Frits van Paasschen’s Biography:
Frits van Paasschen is a globally recognised business leader, keynote speaker, and former Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. With a career defined by leading major international brands through change, he is also the best-selling author of ‘The Disruptors’ Feast’. Frits is known as a strategic, high-impact speaker who helps organisations understand disruption, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence in an increasingly complex global economy.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in the United States, Frits developed an early interest in both science and economics, which shaped his analytical approach to leadership. He earned a BA in Economics and Biology from Amherst College, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he also served as a teaching fellow in economics. His early career saw him working with leading firms including Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs, where he advised major organisations on growth and strategy. He later joined The Walt Disney Company as Vice President of Finance & Planning, gaining valuable experience inside one of the world’s most influential consumer brands.
Frits went on to build his executive reputation at Nike, where he held multiple senior roles, culminating in his position as President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. Here, he oversaw significant international operations and developed a strong understanding of global markets and consumer behaviour. He then stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Coors Brewing Company, leading the business through a competitive and evolving industry landscape. His most prominent leadership role followed as Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, where he spent eight years driving global expansion, strengthening brand positioning, and navigating the company through a period of rapid industry change.
Since stepping back from full-time executive leadership, Frits has remained highly influential across global business. He serves as Senior Advisor at TPG Capital and holds board positions including Non-Executive Director at Williams-Sonoma, Non-Executive Director at dsm-firmenich, and Non-Executive Director at Amadeus IT Group. He has also been involved with a range of innovative and high-growth companies across hospitality, retail, and technology, offering strategic guidance at board level. Alongside this, Frits has built a strong reputation as a keynote speaker, combining decades of leadership experience with clear, forward-thinking insight.
Why Hire Frits van Paasschen?
Frits is hired by organisations looking for clarity in uncertain times. His keynote talks focus on disruption, leadership, global trends, and navigating change, all grounded in real-world experience from leading global businesses. He speaks with authority on how factors such as digital transformation, climate change, and inequality are reshaping industries. Audiences leave with practical ideas they can apply immediately, whether they are leading teams, managing change, or planning long-term strategy.
Frits van Paasschen’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Frits van Paasschen’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Re-elected to the Board of Directors at dsm-firmenich
- 2023 – Appointed Non-Executive Director at Amadeus IT Group
- 2021 – Completed fellowship at Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute
- 2017 – Became Non-Executive Director at Williams-Sonoma
- 2007 – Appointed CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
- 2005 – Appointed CEO of Coors Brewing Company
- 2000 – Promoted to President, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Nike
- 1995 – Served as Vice President of Finance & Planning at Disney Consumer Products
Videos
Frits van Paasschen’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Frits van Paasschen draws on his experience as a global business leader to offer advice on how we can prepare ourselves and our institutions to thrive and make sense of a tumultuous world” – Arianna Huffington, Co-Founder of The Huffington Post
“We agree that the conference was a great one this year, and the attendees and exhibitors seemed to love it too. The weather the best we’ve ever had, and the sunset at dinner was spectacular! Every panel was really well received, and the finish with Frits was exceptional. I’ve never heard such a buzz as people left the room regarding his fantastic extemporaneous presentation.” – Carol Turner, CONECT’s Executive Director
Speaking Topics
Frits van Paasschen’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Global Economic Change and Business Strategy
- Innovation and Growth in Complex Markets
- Leading Through Disruption
- Navigating Uncertainty
- Sustainability, Inequality and the Future of Business
- Transformational Leadership
How Much Does Frits van Paasschen Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Frits van Paasschen?
The cost of hiring Frits van Paasschen depends on factors such as your event format, location, audience size and length of appearance. For an accurate quote tailored to your event, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.