Hans Michael Jebsen – Chairman, Jebsen Group
The modern day Jebsen Group is a greatly diversified company, encompassing marketing and distribution services, as well as partnerships in manufacturing, with enterprises from Europe and also Asia. For us, the unbroken chain of four generations’ commitment to Asia, as well as the commitment by many of our executives, is a mark of pride.
It all began in Aabenraa, Denmark. Sharing the long seafaring traditions of their hometown, my great-grandfather, Jacob Jebsen, and his cousin, Heinrich Jessen, got together to start a trading company. Looking beyond familiar shores and yielding to the lure of the East, they set off for Shanghai in the late 1800s, with the maritime knowledge and pioneering spirit of their ancestors to create their own future.
On 1 March 1895, Jacob Jebsen and Heinrich Jessen established Jebsen & Co in Hong Kong, their joint enterprise which was to weather World Wars, financial crises and personal losses, to remain a steadfast and successful concern that is still a family business today.
From the beginning, the group has acted as a bridge – between continents and cultures, suppliers and consumers. A guiding principle, and much of the success of the company, is based on the teamwork between people from different backgrounds working for a common goal. This winning formula inspired by the Chinese philosopher Mencius’ creed from the third century BC: “Within the four seas, all men are brothers”, motivates us every day.
In addition, the “three-fish” logo serves as a symbol of the entire Group, as do the common values of fair trade, equality, trust and goodwill that continue to be the drivers of the Group’s growth and success.
Respect for foreign cultures grows from strong roots of one’s own. Jebsen’s culture today, as it was throughout the past century, stands for commitment to our principals of doing business, the individuals that make up our company, and the community of where we live and work.
Our employees are key to our success. Five core values have become intrinsic to our corporate spirit: Commitment, Responsibility, Trust, Recognition and Excellence, reflecting a common purpose that we all strive for.
Today, Jebsen headquarters with the three mackerels continue to overlooks the harbour where our ancestors first arrived and thrive.