Executive Management

Executive Leadership

Bekaert's organizational structure consists of four Business Units and five Global Functional Domains. The Bekaert Group Executive (BGE), led by Yves Kerstens, CEO, focuses on value growth and higher-level performance.

Business Units

  • The Business Unit Rubber Reinforcement (serving the tire industries that use tire cord and bead wire) is led by Annie Xu-Huhmann, Divisional CEO Rubber Reinforcement.
  • The Business Unit Steel Wire Solutions (serving industrial, energy & utility, agricultural, consumer and construction markets with a broad range of steel wire products and solutions) is led by François Desné, Divisional CEO Steel Wire Solutions.
  • The Business Unit Specialty Businesses (including building products led by Eric Peeters, fiber technologies, combustion technology and hose reinforcement wire) is led by Yves Kerstens, CEO.
  • Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group (BBRG, including the ropes and advanced cords businesses) is led by François Desné.

Global Functions

 

Global P&L accountability for strategy and delivery

The business units have global P&L accountability for strategy and delivery in their distinct areas and therefore have dedicated production facilities and commercial and technology teams within their respective organization. This helps them develop a customer-centric approach aligned with the specific needs and dynamics of their markets.

Strategic business partners

The functions take a role as strategic business partners, accountable for providing specific expertise and services across the Group and ensuring the business has the right capability to deliver on short and long term goals. 

Executive & Senior Vice Presidents

  • Jan Boelens
    Senior Vice President Bekaert Fiber Technologies, Ultra-fine wire, Hose and Conveyor Belts
  • Bruno Cluydts
    Chief Strategy Officer BBRG
  • Gorka Diez
    Senior Vice President Rubber Reinforcement Global Operations
  • Jim Dobson
    Senior Vice President Rubber Reinforcement Technology and Quality
  • Philip Eyskens
    Chief Legal & Compliance Officer
  • Luc Godefroid
    Senior Vice President Steel Ropes
  • Raj Kalra
  • Senior Vice President Rubber Reinforcement Sales, Marketing & Strategy 
  • Patrick Louwagie
    Senior Vice President Steel Wire Solutions Transformation
  • Ernst Lutz
    Chief Innovation & Technology Officer
  • Dirk Moyson
    Senior Vice President Steel Wire Solutions EMEA
  • Raf Rentmeesters
    Senior Vice President Advanced Cords, Services and Synthetic Ropes 
  • Inge Schildermans
    Senior Vice President Energy Transition
  • Geert Voet
    Senior Vice President Steel Wire Solutions Americas
  • Zhigao Yu
    Senior Vice President Rubber Reinforcement Strategic Projects