In memoriam Jan Bunt (1935-2024)

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Professor Emeritus Jan Bunt, the former head of the marketing department at Erasmus School of Economics. Jan was a respected scholar and visionary in the field of marketing, and a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend to many within our school and university community.

Alumnus Paul Schuilwerve describes Jan Bunt as follows: ‘Jan had an enormous passion for marketing education and was a bridge-builder between Erasmus University Rotterdam and the business community. As holder of the chair of Marketing (which was called “Commerciele Beleidsvorming” in those days), Jan played an important role. He helped to ensure that the master programme became the supplier of choice for marketers starting at companies such as Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Nutricia, Bank Mees & Hope/ABNAMRO, AKZO, Philips and Shell. For recruiters at the Business Days, Jan was the “P” of promotion in the marketing mix with his humor and reflections on marketing. Jan Bunt was also an honorary member of the marketing study association, MAEUR. He was involved in the Advisory Board for many years and faithfully attended the former director dinners. It was good practice that he gave a keynote speech, in which he displayed his sharp and humorous reflection on marketing. As far as Jan is concerned, modern marketing started in 1957 at the Netherlands School of Economics (Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool), the predecessor of Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus University Rotterdam. MAEUR members will miss Jan’s involvement and his witty and sharp stories. He was a unique figurehead of modern marketing at our university.’

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jan’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work.

On behalf of the Erasmus School of Economics