Brieuc Van Damme named new Chief Executive Officer of the King Baudouin Foundation

The Board of Governors of the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) has approved the appointment of Brieuc Van Damme to the post of Chief Executive Officer, from 1 February 2022. Brieuc Van Damme is currently Director General of Healthcare at INAMI. He succeeds Luc Tayart de Borms who, after 25 years as the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, will retire on 1 May 2022.

Commissioned in 2020 to find a successor to the current Chief Executive Officer, KBF’s Nomination Committee, presided over by Thomas Leysen, launched a recruitment process as well as a call in the media. The committee chose Brieuc Van Damme as the final candidate and on 24 September 2021 the Board of Governors approved the appointment.

Brieuc Van Damme recalls: "When it was suggested that I take part in the selection process, I decided that I just couldn’t let this opportunity pass by, despite the rather unfortunate timing involved, since this was only shortly after I had joined INAMI. Thanks to a strong team, we were able to do lots of things, so it will be with a heavy heart that I leave INAMI. My decision, however, was a positive choice, because this is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. The flexibility and independence of how KBF operates will enable it to contribute to making our country inclusive and highly effective in the post-Covid period, thanks to the many innovative projects and initiatives likely to improve policies. I’m eager to be part of that.”

Luc Tayart de Borms commented: "I am delighted with the Board of Governors’ decision. Brieuc Van Damme’s skills and experience – notably in the fields of politics, economics, healthcare and education – are all huge assets for the Foundation. At both local and international level, KBF can benefit from a person such as Brieuc, who is so resolutely looking to the future of our society."

Brieuc Van Damme, in brief:
• Aged 37, economist (UNamur, KU Leuven, Europacollege)
• Director General Healthcare, INAMI (since 1/12/2020)
• Advisor to the (Deputy) Prime Minister, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health
• Co-founder and President of the Groupe du Vendredi, a think tank for talented young Belgians, supported by KBF
• Lecturer at the ULB, and previously at the University of Antwerp, UGent and École Nationale d’Administration de Kinshasa (DR Congo)
• Author of various publications, opinion pieces and articles.

The transition period of three months between Brieuc Van Damme’s entry into the post (1 February 2022) and the retirement of Luc Tayart de Borms (1 May 2022) will enable the new Chief Executive Officer to begin his mandate in the very best circumstances.

Neither Luc Tayart de Borms nor Brieuc Van Damme wish to give interviews at the present time.

Luc Tayart de Borms will respond to press requests at the end of his mandate. Brieuc Van Damme wishes to begin his job and listen to the various stakeholders at KBF before speaking to the press.