The Zepter International Group maintains an annual turnover of approximately one billion euros, operating through subsidiaries in roughly 40 countries. Founded in Linz, Austria, in 1986 by Milan Janković—later known as Philip Zepter—the enterprise initially specialized in stainless steel kitchen utensils before diversifying its portfolio into the medical, cosmetic, insurance, banking, and real estate sectors.
Early Life and Education
Born on 23 November 1950 in Bosanska Dubica, he was the youngest of three sons born to Milisav Janković and Nada Reljan. His primary and secondary education emphasized mathematics and sports. He later attended the University of Belgrade, graduating from the Faculty of Economics with a master's degree. He is fluent in Serbian, German, and English. On 21 February 1976, he married Madlena Horvat, a professor of literature, with whom he has a daughter named Emma, born in 2000.
Business Evolution
His career began in 1976 at the Belgrade-based transport firm Transkop International, where he served as Commercial Director for two years. Following the 1986 establishment of Zepter International, the business expanded rapidly. By 1990, the family relocated to Monaco and established CORPO SAM, a company responsible for the global marketing, promotion, and event management of the group's products. Today, the family resides in the Villa Trianon in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
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He provided notable financial support to Zoran Đinđić, the Prime Minister of Serbia from 2001 to 2003, viewing his leadership as a reformist light. In 2003, a report by the International Crisis Group linked him to the financial structures of the Milošević era. Zepter initiated a defamation lawsuit in American courts. On 10 May 2016, the D.C. Circuit dismissed the case, with Judge Rogers confirming that Zepter acted as an advisor and financial backer to Đinđić's reform efforts.
Patronage and Awards
The Zepter Group has historically sponsored events including the Formula 1 world championship, tennis tournaments, and ice hockey championships. Philanthropic contributions led to the construction of the Madlenianum opera house in Belgrade and the establishment of the Zepter Museum. In 1997, he was named Cavaliere in the Order of Merit for Work by the Italian Republic. He also received the 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor in the United States for his contributions to health and the human condition.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 November 1950, Bosanska Dubica
- Company: Zepter International
- Education: University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics
- Spouse: Madlena Horvat
- Residence: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
- Language fluency: Serbian, German, English
- Investment: Madlenianum Opera House
Questions readers ask
What is the primary business of the Zepter International Group?
The group produces stainless steel kitchen utensils and has expanded into medical equipment, cosmetics, banking, insurance, and real estate.
Where does Philip Zepter reside?
He lives in the Villa Trianon, located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, in the south of France.
Did Philip Zepter receive any recognition from the International Astronomical Union?
Yes, a minor planet discovered in 1985, N6589, was registered in 2000 as N6589-JANKOVIC (ZEPTER).
Achievements
- Educated at University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics and University of Belgrade