Niels Due Jensen was synonymous with Grundfos.
He was barely two years old when the company was founded and truly grew up with it. He was an apprentice as a machinist at Grundfos. As a fully qualified mechanical engineer, he became an even bigger part of the company, and in 1977 he took over as CEO. He held the role until 2003, after which he dedicated himself to board work, first for the Grundfos Group, then for the Poul Due Jensen Foundation, the primary owner of Grundfos.
Everywhere in the world when you meet Grundfos or its products, you see the legacy of one of Danish business' most visionary leaders - a man who in many ways was ahead of his time.
Niels Due Jensen was the first in the industry to develop and manufacture electronics for pumps, pioneering the path towards intelligent and energy-efficient pumps. His foresight led him to introduce a value-based leadership style at Grundfos, ensuring the company was purpose-driven long before it became a common management mantra.
Niels Due Jensen dared to stand up for what he believed in. This applied both in business as well as society. With his flair for engineering, he became deeply involved in Grundfos' development of ground-breaking technologies, and with his commitment to the surrounding community, he dedicated himself to supporting and developing initiatives and giving a voice to people who would otherwise have remained unheard.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Niels. As the Marketing Director and Sales Manager of One Pump, I had the privilege of working for several years at Grundfos, a company to which I owe much of my professional knowledge. I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to work for an organization that respected and supported me, even when I chose to pursue other professional paths.
The fond memory of Grundfos remains strong even after many years, and whenever we meet at trade fairs or around the world, it is always a pleasure to reconnect with colleagues who, over time, have become friends. This is a testament to the culture and respect that Grundfos instills in its people.
In this lies the greatness of a person like Niels Due Jensen, who built a company that not only forms professionals but also fosters their growth. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all.
With heartfelt condolences,
SG
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