BCD Travel Founder John Fentener van Vlissingen Passes Away at 86 – His Legacy Will Inspire Future Generations

Published on December 13, 2025

The global business travel community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential pioneers, John Fentener van Vlissingen, who passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 86. The Dutch entrepreneur, widely revered for his leadership and innovative spirit, founded BCD Travel—one of the largest corporate travel management companies in the world. His death marks the end of an era for the industry he shaped over decades, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Van Vlissingen’s passing was confirmed by multiple sources, including the official Boron investment firm page, which was established by van Vlissingen as his family office, and other corporate tributes from BCD Travel. His impact on the corporate travel sector is undeniable, having built a company that continues to lead the charge in business travel solutions worldwide.

A Visionary Who Revolutionized Business Travel

Born in Utrecht, Netherlands in 1939, John Fentener van Vlissingen’s journey into the world of business started with the foundations laid by his family, which was already entrenched in successful enterprises through the SHV Holdings conglomerate. However, his real mark on the world came when he ventured out on his own. In 1975, van Vlissingen founded the company that would eventually evolve into BCD Group, a multi-faceted entity encompassing everything from corporate travel to real estate investments. His vision for travel management led him to acquire WorldTravel Advisors in 1987, marking the beginning of BCD Travel’s rapid rise.

By the time of his retirement, BCD Travel had become a global leader in travel management services, with operations in over 100 countries and employing more than 15,000 people worldwide. As business travel began to experience significant technological shifts, van Vlissingen was quick to recognize the importance of digital tools and automated systems to streamline corporate travel. His company embraced these innovations long before other competitors, positioning BCD Travel at the forefront of the industry.

Van Vlissingen’s ability to anticipate trends and understand the needs of corporate clients was key to his success. He revolutionized the way businesses approached travel, from creating cost-effective booking systems to developing strategies for global travel management. As a result, BCD Travel became an indispensable service for corporations around the globe, helping companies reduce travel expenses while improving efficiency and compliance.

Legacy of Family Investment and Philanthropy

In addition to his achievements in business, van Vlissingen was also the founder of BORON, the family’s private investment company, which manages assets across various industries, including technology, hospitality, and real estate. The investment firm’s approach, grounded in long-term growth and sustainability, mirrors the values instilled by van Vlissingen throughout his professional life.

Philanthropy was another cornerstone of his life’s work. Through the Boron Foundation, he and his family supported various causes related to children’s welfare, the arts, and environmental conservation. His commitment to social responsibility and sustainable investments left an indelible mark on both the corporate world and the communities that benefited from his generosity.

Despite his immense business success, van Vlissingen was known for his down-to-earth demeanor and his focus on integrity and long-term thinking. His leadership style was not just about achieving financial success, but also about creating value for people, whether they were employees, clients, or communities.

An Industry Mourns Its Leader

The news of van Vlissingen’s death has sent shockwaves through the business travel community. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, industry leaders, and global partners. BCD Travel issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging his visionary leadership, stating, “John Fentener van Vlissingen was the backbone of BCD Travel and an industry pioneer. His influence in shaping the business travel sector cannot be overstated, and we are eternally grateful for his enduring legacy.”

Many in the business world have credited him with inspiring an entire generation of entrepreneurs and executives in the travel industry. His ability to lead through periods of rapid change, including the rise of globalisation and digital transformation, set him apart as one of the most respected business minds of his time.

As tributes continue to flood in from around the world, one theme resonates: John Fentener van Vlissingen was a true visionary who turned his dream of an integrated, efficient, and innovative travel management system into a global empire. His death leaves a void, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure for decades to come.

The Van Vlissingen Family and BCD’s Future

Van Vlissingen’s legacy will not be forgotten, as the Van Vlissingen family continues to play an active role in the future of BCD Group and the BORON investment firm. His children and grandchildren are now involved in the leadership of both entities, ensuring that his vision of excellence, integrity, and long-term success will persist well into the future.

BCD Travel, under the stewardship of his successors, will no doubt continue its legacy of pioneering travel management solutions. His influence on the corporate travel landscape is lasting, and the company’s ongoing efforts to improve business travel efficiency and sustainability will serve as a tribute to his contributions.

A World Forever Changed by Van Vlissingen’s Vision

As the business world remembers John Fentener van Vlissingen, it’s clear that his contributions extend far beyond his business achievements. He was a true innovator, a philanthropic leader, and a family-oriented businessman who understood the importance of creating long-term value for all. His passing at the age of 86 marks the end of an era, but his impact on the business travel industry will live on for generations to come.

His journey was one of continuous growth, from the foundation of BCD Travel to the establishment of BORON. Today, the business travel community reflects on his incredible life, acknowledging the significant changes he brought to the industry and the lives he touched through his philanthropy.

Image source: BCD Travel Linkedin