Kellogg School of Management Honors Brenninkmeijer Family at Annual Summit

Celebrating Legacy: The Brenninkmeijer Family Awarded for Business Leadership

On May 14, 2026, the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management will proudly host the fourth annual re:connect summit. This prestigious event aims to bridge the generational gap in family-run businesses, allowing family enterprise owners, leaders of family offices, and successors to discuss their pathways towards sustainability and growth.

This year’s highlight will be the presentation of the Family Leadership Award, a symbol of recognition for outstanding contributions from family enterprise leaders. The Ward Center is honored to present the 2026 Family Leadership Award to the Brenninkmeijer family, renowned for their remarkable journey that began in 1841 with a small clothing business in the Netherlands. Their enterprise, known as COFRA, has blossomed into a multifaceted conglomerate spanning six generations, featuring notable brands including the CA clothing retailer, Bregal (private equity), Redevco (real estate), and Anthos (fund and asset management).

Edward Brenninkmeijer, a sixth-generation member and current Chief Investment Officer of Amesto, will graciously accept the award. Having graduated from Kellogg with an MBA in 2014, Edward represents the continuity and evolution of the Brenninkmeijer legacy, while also embodying the qualities of leadership and innovation that the family exemplifies.

The summit is not only significant for honoring the Brenninkmeijer family; it also includes a robust agenda featuring presentations by various industry experts and distinguished Kellogg faculty members. A prominent session will be delivered by Robert Pasin, CEO of Radio Flyer and a Kellogg alum from the class of 1997. His keynote presentation, titled “Play to Win,” will emphasize the importance of strategic thinking in both family and business dynamics.

Through the re:connect summit, the Ward Center aims to equip the next generation of family business leaders with essential skills and insights rooted in shared experiences and collective wisdom. This creates a unique opportunity for family enterprises to learn from one another and foster an environment where innovation meets tradition.

Registration for the event remains open, welcoming not only family business members but also non-family executives and board directors to join in this celebration of legacy, leadership, and collaboration.

As the Brenninkmeijer family stands at the forefront of this year's award, their story serves as an inspiration to future generations. It showcases how family-run businesses can adapt and flourish across generations, ensuring that values and vision are preserved while embracing evolution. The summit will undoubtedly be a stepping stone for many, reinforcing the importance of strong leadership and family cohesion in the ever-changing business landscape.