Coloplast's Johanne Louis-Hansen dies

It is with profound regret that the management of Coloplast has received the announcement of Mrs. Johanne Louis-Hansen’s death on 21 October 2008.

Johanne Louis-Hansen (born Rasmussen) was born 2 September 1915. She married Aage Louis-Hansen in 1947 and was co-founder of the medical device company Dansk Coloplast in 1957.

 

Visionary and entrepreneur

Johanne Louis-Hansen was more involved in her husband’s business than most women of her time. They discussed issues at length, and Aage Louis-Hansen consulted his wife in all matters relating to the company and the employees.

Before her marriage, Johanne Louis-Hansen attended nursing school, and when the visiting nurse Elise Sørensen presented the idea for a self-adhesive plastic ostomy bag to her, she saw it as an opportunity to make life easier for post-surgery ostomy patients. Very quickly she overcame Aage Louis-Hansen’s initial reluctance to enter into a new business area, and the work on producing prototypes of ostomy bags began.

Johanne Louis-Hansen was also member of Coloplast's the board of directors. The considerable insight in running the business, which she acquired via her seat on the board, made it possible for her to take over Aage Louis-Hansen’s tasks when he died September 1966. Johanne Louis-Hansen took part in the day to day management of the company until 1970 and was a member of Coloplast’s board of directors from 1957 to 1985, of which she was chairman from 1966 to 1973.

 

The interest continued

Johanne Louis-Hansen remained interested in the company until the end. Every year, she attended the general meeting and was determined to say hello to present as well as former employees she knew from her active years in management. She showed great respect for the employees and their involvement and, undeniably, seemed especially happy when women obtained good results.

In spite of her frail figure, Johanne Louis-Hansen was a fearless person. Even a snowstorm could not prevent her from travelling all the way from Randers to Humlebæk if she had promised to participate in a company event. She was always present at the annual employee award in memory of Carl Erik Askgaard Olesen who was the first chairman of the company.

 

Support to science

Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen’s Foundation was established in 1969. It supports cultural and scientific initiatives.

 

Humour and warmth

In her retirement from active life, Johanne Louis-Hansen enjoyed life on her farm Tustrup Hovedgård near Randers. She loved her flower garden, and took an interest in everything from harvesting the farm's crop to the condition of the cattle and will be remembered by the staff for her sense of humour and warm heart. Her house was full of art and antiques as well as with memories from her and her family’s many travels throughout a long life.

 

Memorial service

A memorial service will be held Monday 27 October at 1pm in Hørning Church near Tustrup. The funeral takes place Monday 3 November at 1pm at Vedbæk Church.

Let us pay tribute to her memory.

Lars Rasmussen
President & CEO