In 1970, he joined the UCB Group and has been chairman of the Executive Committee of UCB since 1987 until the end of 2004. Since January 2005 he is chairman of the board of directors of UCB Group and chairman of the board of directors of Delhaize Group.
He became an integral part of the UCB Group in 1970, holding a key leadership position within the Executive Committee from 1987 until his departure at the end of 2004. He then took on significant roles as chairman of the board for both UCB Group and Delhaize Group, starting January 2005.