Career Biography

After obtaining my Master of Laws degree, I began my career at Eubelius Attorneys, Belgium’s largest independent law firm. As an associate in the corporate and M&A team, I advised clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including acquisitions, restructurings, and litigation. This experience gave me a deep understanding of complex corporate structures and transactions, as well as the skills to navigate high-stakes negotiations.

In 2015, I transitioned from private practice to the real estate development company ION, taking on the role of Head of Legal. At that time, ION was a rapidly growing scale-up, and my mission was to build the legal department from the ground up. Over the following years, I structured and managed a multidisciplinary legal team, implemented internal governance processes, and oversaw all legal aspects of the group’s activities, from acquisitions and fund setups to international expansion. A major milestone was the establishment of several investment funds that helped fuel ION’s growth trajectory and strengthen its institutional partnerships.

In 2022, I was appointed Chief Operating Officer, expanding my responsibilities beyond the legal function. In this role, I oversee internal operations, IT, HR, and project management, aligning organisational structures with long-term strategic objectives. Acting as a sparring partner to the CEOs and management team, I focus on optimising operational efficiency, strengthening corporate culture, and ensuring that ION remains agile and forward-looking in a rapidly evolving market.

Throughout my tenure at ION, I have contributed to several landmark projects that exemplify the company’s vision for sustainable urban development. These include Burenberg in Leuven, a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment; Boerentoren in Antwerp, the transformation of an iconic tower into a vibrant multi-purpose site; Monteco in Brussels, a pioneering wood-construction office building; Panquin in Tervuren, a heritage restoration and residential project; and The Hive in Amsterdam, a major mixed-use development and winner of a MIPIM Award.

In parallel with my corporate responsibilities, I have remained closely connected to academia as a lecturer at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Law.