Fons Trompenaars

Organizational theorist & expert on culture and dilemmas

For more than three decades, Fons Trompenaars has recognized as one the most influential thinkers on intercultural management and organizational behavior. As the founder and CEO of Trompenaars Hampden-Turner, he has advised Fortune 500 business leaders on the creation of significant connections to resolve cultural and business challenges, leadership, innovation and global effectiveness.

In 2023, his work received the recognition of the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA), with the “Georges Petipas” award, one of the highest honors in talent management. In 2024, “Thinkers50” included his work “Riding the Waves of Culture” in its Ten Management Classics at the global level, and in 2025 he was named an honorary member of SIETAR Global.

Holding a degree in economy from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a doctorate from The Wharton School, Trompenaars has demonstrated that reconciling differences—ethnic, generational, professional or gender-related—is key to transforming cultures and accelerating organizational performance. His practical and profitable focus continues to influence international businesses and the academic arena as co-director of Servant-Leadership Centre for Research and Education (SERVUS) at VU in Amsterdam.

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