Solvay chronicles its history through 12 thematic pieces

Recent developments at Solvay reflect the dynamics of modern family capitalism, which has learned to combine tradition and openness. Always involved in the life of the company, the founding families have kept their influence intact, appointing Nicolas Boël to the chairmanship of the board in 2012. The sale of the pharmaceutical business, the acquisition of Rhodia, and again the appointment for the first time of a non-Belgian CEO, who is neither a family member nor from the Solvay stable, in the person of Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, are all major policy changes supported by the family shareholders.

The Solvay clan in 1913. Ernest and Adèle Solvay surrounded by the successors' families: Armand, Louis and Ernest-John Solvay, Emmanuel Janssen, Louis Semet, Fernand van der Straeten, Emile Tournay, Edgard Hulin, along with the Querton, Delwart, Washer and Nieuwenhuys families.

"The extended industrial family"

Beyond the ties of blood and money, there evolved what Ernest Solvay used to call his "great industrial family" in the spirit of socially-minded owner-management of the late 19th century, in which each employee was considered as part of a family.

This circle also included the entrepreneurs from every country that contributed to the internationalization of the company and the progress of the process. With each of these, the Solvay clan maintained friendly and lasting relationships that went well beyond business. This legacy of respect for allies and employees remains today, in other forms, and is still a pillar of the corporate culture.

Together is everything

Various initiatives aim to maintain cohesion between the 2,500 descendants of the founders, with their smaller or larger shareholdings, such as "young shareholder days" or a private "minifacebook".

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