Bekaert is proud to announce that Bert De Graeve, CEO of Bekaert, has been elected Manager of the Year in Belgium. In the jury’s report Mr. De Graeve is praised for his strong leadership skills with which he guided Bekaert through a crisis year and his pro-active management and entrepreneurship which added to the company’s resilience. Specifically appreciated are also his future-oriented approach focusing on innovation and internationalization, the sustainability demonstrated in his work and the societal role he takes up in his function as CEO.
Bert De Graeve commented: “The award is a valuable recognition for Bekaert and its 23 000 employees who all have their share in Bekaert’s success. It is nice to see that we are publicly acknowledged as an excellent performer especially in challenging times like these. It shows that a consistent strategy focusing on sustainable growth and innovation pays off.”
The Manager of the Year award, which crowns the best-performing manager of the year, is a key annual event for Belgium’s business world and a joint initiative of the business magazine Trends, TV channel Kanaal Z and the Flemish Management Association (Vlaamse Management Associatie).
An independent jury of captains of industry, academics and management specialists nominate 10 candidates who stood out during the year. Several criteria are being considered, such as the company’s financial performance and corporate governance; how the company relates to its peers; the management techniques displayed by the manager and the collaboration with the management team. Since 2007 Bert De Graeve has been short-listed for the award for 3 consecutive editions.
| Press Katelijn Bohez T +32 56 23 05 71 | Investor Relations Jacques Anckaert T +32 56 23 05 72 |
