Career Biography

Sofie Verlinden is the Chief Legal Officer at DEME Group NV (stocklisted at Euronext Brussels), a leading contractor in the fields of offshore energy, dredging, marine infrastructure and environmental remediation. DEME also engages in concessions activities in offshore wind, marine infrastructure, green hydrogen, and deep-sea mineral harvesting. The company can build on nearly 150 years of experience and is a front runner in innovation and new technologies. DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: climate change, a growing population and urbanisation, increasing maritime trade and environmental issues. With a team of more than 5,800 highly skilled professionals and one of the most advanced fleets in the world, DEME realized a turnover of €4.1bn with an EBITDA of €764m in 2024.

Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Sofie has held the executive role of Chief Legal Officer since 2020, leading the legal department and contributing to strategic management decisions. In this role, Sofie is equally part of the management team of DEME Group.

As Chief Legal Officer, Sofie is responsible for DEME Group’s worldwide legal and insurance strategy, as well as for the risk management across DEME’s international operations.

Sofie is also the driving force behind the WOMEN@DEME initiative, which aims to empower and advance women within the company. Inspired by the vision of gender balance in the construction sector, she helped launch this internal community to foster connections and support female talent in leadership roles. Sofie emphasises positivity and proactive change, focusing on attracting, developing, and empowering women at all levels of the organisation.

Sofie holds a Master in International Trade Law from Stellenbosch University (2006–2007), a Master in Law from KU Leuven (2002–2005), and a Bachelor in Law from the University of Antwerp (2000–2002). Before joining DEME Group, Sofie gained experience as a lawyer at the Brussels Bar.

Sofie is recognised for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She is active in industry networks, including serving as a board member at the International Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.