Max de Pree

Date of Birth: October 28, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: August 8, 2017

Biography

Max de Pree was an influential American businessman and writer, best known for his role as the former CEO of Herman Miller, Inc., a leading manufacturer of office furniture. Born into a family with a strong business background, Max de Pree dedicated much of his career to fostering innovative management practices and ethical leadership. Under his leadership, Herman Miller became a model of corporate culture and design excellence, receiving numerous awards for its products and work environment. De Pree’s philosophy centered around the belief that a business should serve its employees, customers, and society alike. He was also a prolific author, penning several books on leadership, including the widely acclaimed “Leadership is an Art.”

5 Interesting Facts about Max de Pree

1. Max de Pree was named CEO of Herman Miller in 1980 and served in that role until 1987.

2. Under his leadership, Herman Miller was named one of the “Best Companies to Work For” in America.

3. De Pree’s book “Leadership is an Art” has sold more than 800,000 copies and has been translated into multiple languages.

4. He was a strong advocate for servant leadership, emphasizing the role of leaders as servants to their employees and community.

5. Max de Pree received the 1992 Business Enterprise Trust Award for his efforts to promote ethical business practices.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Max de Pree

1. “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.”

2. “We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”

3. “Trust grows when people see leaders translate their personal integrity into organizational fidelity.”

4. “Leadership is much more an art, a belief, a condition of the heart, than a set of things to do.”

5. “The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Max de Pree’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely attributed to his successful tenure at Herman Miller and his published works.

Children

Max de Pree had four children: George de Pree, Hugh de Pree, Barbara de Pree, and Nancy de Pree. His children have continued to honor his legacy through various professional and philanthropic endeavors.