As managing director at Sirris, I always try to keep the bigger picture in mind. To that end, I like to set up structural collaborations between companies and the research and innovation community. Besides that, I focus on business development, finance and corporate relations. If you’d like to pick somebody’s brain on the organization of the RD&I scene in Belgium, or need a sparring partner for your innovation idea, I’m happy to assist.
Expertise
- Innovation strategy
- Manufacturing strategy
- Financing of and partnerships for RD&I
Work experience
I started my career at Sirris in 1990 in the area of modular machine design. Over the past decades I’ve participated in the founding of SIM (Strategisch Initiatief Materialen) in 2010 and the founding of Flanders Make in 2013. Since June 2014, I have been managing director of Sirris, while I also lead the Agoria-Sirris Industrial Community. This community is aimed at tightening and strengthening the bond between Sirris and Agoria, to achieve even a bigger impact for the companies in the technology sector.
Studies
- Courses “How to set-up a technology strategy” at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1999),
- Leadership and decision making at Vlerick Business School (2005)
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven (1989)
Professional motto
“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.” – Yvon Chouinard, founder Patagonia
Fun fact
I love to coach my grown-up children and travel with them.