The Sustainability Professionals 2025
have been elected!
For the 10th time, Time4Society and the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) organized the Sustainability Professional of the Year award. This year too, our strong candidates showed surprising, sustainable initiatives.
The Sustainability Professional 2025 plays a strategic and indispensable role within their company or organisation as someone who motivates, inspires or implements sustainability. This person’s job title can range from sustainability manager to CEO, HR manager, marketer, project leader, event manager, etc.
In addition, we honour the the Sustainability Pioneer 2025: a starter in the field of Sustainability, who has realized a strong, inspirational project or best practice during the past year. This title will also go to one Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking candidate.
Unlike other awards that only recognize the companies, we honour the person who is the driving force within those companies. Because people do make the difference!
The Sustainability Professionals 2025 are …
In the Dutch-speaking category:
Claudia Verswyver
Retail Concepts, A.S.Adventure & Juttu
Claudia Verswyver is the deserved winner of the Sustainability Professional 2025 Award. With her strategic vision and infectious drive, she has embedded sustainability at Retail Concepts as a fundamental and profitable business model.
She is the driving force behind the innovative Care & Repair Centre, where second-hand, rental and repair come together in a circular ecosystem that is redefining the retail sector. Under her leadership, sustainability grew to become a core part of the company’s strategy, with pioneering initiatives such as upcycling projects, a strict procurement policy and the integration of circular business models.
Her impact extends beyond her own organisation: Claudia connects stakeholders, inspires employees and takes a leading role in the wider outdoor and fashion sector. She makes sustainability tangible, commercially viable and, above all, irresistibly logical. With her vision and guts, she proves that sustainable growth and economic success go together perfectly.
As a pioneer and changemaker, she sets a new standard for the retail sector and shows how companies can really make a difference.
Claudia Verswyver: Winning this award gives me a lot of joy and energy. I found all the candidates very strong. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped me. This is not a solo effort, it can’t be. This could only have been achieved with the support of my team. We will continue to make progress, that much is certain.
In the French-speaking category:
Vincent Michel
Holcim Belgium
Holcim’s Vincent Michel is the winner of Sustainability Professional 2025 for his role in the transition to CO2₂ neutral cement.
As Programme Director of the GO4ZERO project at Holcim Belgium, he is leading a radical transformation of the sector by integrating innovative decarbonisation solutions, circular materials and advanced carbon capture technologies. His visionary leadership has enabled Holcim to secure €230 million in funding from the European Innovation Fund and to invest more than €550 million in a new decarbonised cement plant.
GO4ZERO’s commitment to the climate and its strategic approach make it a strong reference in the fight against industrial emissions. He unites stakeholders, mobilises talent and inspires an entire industry to accelerate the transition to sustainable construction materials.
Through his vision and impact, Vincent Michel embodies the leadership the sector needs to build a low-carbon future.
Vincent Michel: I mainly feel pride, not for myself, but for all the teams who work hard every day to move our industry forward. After 15 years of hard work to save our operations in Belgium, we succeeded. This is a true recognition. Thank you for your support.
De Sustainability Ambassadors 2025 are …
In the Dutch-speaking category:
Wouter Van Besien
vdk bank
Wouter Van Besien is awarded Sustainability Ambassador for his commitment to sustainable and ethical banking. As coordinator at vdk bank, he makes sustainability a fundamental part of lending, investments and financial products.
He spearheaded the vdk bank oath, which explicitly commits employees to a sustainable mission, and plays an active role in international networks such as the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
Under his leadership, vdk bank made great strides in the Bankwijzer ranking and a strict fossil-free investment policy was introduced. With initiatives such as ‘vdk bank inspires’ and strategic pleas to policymakers, he puts the importance of a sustainable financial sector on the map.
His work proves that banking with values is not only necessary, but also feasible and successful.
Franky Van den Berghe
Willemen Groep
Franky Van den Berghe is awarded Sustainability Ambassador 2025 for his visionary approach and pioneering work in the construction sector. As the driving force behind the implementation of the CO2 Performance Ladder level 5 at Willemen Infra, he not only reduced the company’s ecological footprint, but also challenged the entire sector to work more sustainably.
Thanks to his strategic insight and dedication, Willemen Group achieved prestigious certifications such as CSC Gold for concrete plants and CSC Platinum for recycling sites, and was recognised as an SDG Ambassador.
Franky knows how to turn complex sustainability goals into tangible results. He builds bridges between stakeholders, creates support among employees and encourages innovation within the sector. His transparent communication and collaboration with partners and subcontractors make him a catalyst for change.
Thanks to his efforts, sustainability is no longer seen as an obligation, but as an opportunity to structurally make the construction sector more sustainable.
In the French-speaking category:
Marielle Coenjaerts
Takeda
Marielle Coenjaerts of Takeda has been recognised as Sustainability Ambassador 2025 for her inspirational leadership and commitment to making sustainability a concrete reality in the pharmaceutical sector.
As Site Environment & Sustainability Lead at Takeda, she developed an ambitious strategy focused on circularity, renewable energies and optimised water management.
Under her leadership, visionary projects such as the advanced reuse of waste water, the installation of over 8,000 solar panels, the licensing of two wind turbines and the implementation of circular waste flows have been achieved. Convinced that sustainability must be at the heart of industrial processes, it mobilises employees and partners to achieve ambitious environmental targets.
Thanks to her pragmatism and determination, Marielle is shaping a greener future for the pharmaceutical industry and inspiring a whole generation to follow in her footsteps.
Xavier Uhlen
Schréder
Schréder’s Xavier Uhlen is recognised as Sustainability Ambassador 2025 for his leadership in integrating ESG at the heart of Schréder’s corporate strategy.
As Group Sustainability Director, he has led major initiatives that are transforming the organisation in a sustainable way, including the validation of CO2 reduction targets by the Science-Based Targets Initiative and the integration of sustainability into remuneration processes and models.
Convinced that sustainability is not a trend, but an essential responsibility of corporate management, he is driving change through a structured, measurable and transparent approach.
By aligning ESG ambitions with CSRD standards and uniting employees and partners around a long-term vision, Xavier is not only building a greener future: he is inspiring an entire sector to act with ambition and determination.
The Sustainability Pioneers 2025 are …
In the Dutch-speaking category:
Kasper Albers
Borro
Kasper Albers is awarded Sustainability Pioneer 2025 for his innovative approach to making reusable cups widely accessible.
As co-founder and CEO of Borro, he developed a digital deposit system that makes reuse effortless and efficient. Thanks to invisible QR codes and smart return tubes, visitors to football stadiums, concert halls and festivals can easily hand in their cups and get a deposit back – without the hassle of tokens or queues.
With a successful launch at RSC Anderlecht in 2024 and new pilot projects on the way, Borro is taking a crucial step towards a future without single-use plastics.
Kasper combines technological innovation with sustainability. His system lowers operational costs, reduces waste and encourages circular use – a true gamechanger in the events and hospitality sector.
Brecht Herteleer
(on)kruid
Brecht Herteleer is recognised as Sustainability Pioneer 2025 for his innovative and inspiring contribution to biodiversity restoration.
As co-founder of (on)kruid, he is committed to an agricultural model that not only protects nature, but also strengthens the local economy and social cohesion.
In 2024, (on)kruid grew into a broad-based movement: 7 farmers, 34 volunteers, 12 social workers and more than 1,000 tea drinkers worked together on biodiversity by sowing flower borders and transforming herbs into a sustainable product: (on)herb tea.
Thanks to Brecht’s vision and perseverance, every bag of tea becomes a step towards a richer nature, with more bees, butterflies and birds.
His project proves that sustainability, economy and social inclusion can perfectly go hand in hand.
In the French-speaking category:
Alexander Stevens
Greenomy
Alexander Stevens is recognised as Sustainability Pioneer 2025 for his visionary role in transforming ESG reporting.
As CEO of Greenomy, he developed an innovative digital platform that makes it easy for companies to comply with CSRD requirements without being overwhelmed by administrative complexity. In 2024, his tool helped 80 large companies and 500 SMEs to structure their reporting by automating the collection and analysis of 1,300 ESG data points.
To democratise access to best practice, he has launched the Greenomy Academy, a free training course that has already been taken by 12,000 professionals.
Through his vision and commitment, Alexander demonstrates that technology can be a powerful lever for sustainability.
These are the winners of the previous editions:
Sustainability Professional 2024
Dutch-speaking category:
Jakoba Van der Linden, Sustainability Officer, Jan De Nul
“In 2024, I will continue to roll out the sustainability policy within Jan De Nul. With the JDN School Package, an educational program promoting sustainability among children, we have already reached 1327 students. This year, I aim to significantly increase that number and involve more vulnerable youth in the project.”
Sustainability Professional 2024
French-speaking category:
Nathalie Guillaume, General Secretary and Director of Sustainability, Danone Belux
“I have been working on various sustainable projects for 12 years. What I have learned is that if you want to have a positive impact on this planet, it is crucial to coordinate and involve everyone within the organization. I want to sincerely thank my team for their enthusiasm and energy.”
Sustainability Professional 2023
Dutch-speaking category:
Jasmien Wynants, Sustainability Manager, XANDRES
“Above all, I am very grateful: for the opportunities I am given at Xandres, for my colleagues and for what we have achieved together in the past year in the field of sustainability. Because I am certainly not alone in this story! I am very happy with this award. Both big and small victories should be celebrated. This recognition also contributes to the visibility of sustainability in the fashion sector, something we will continue to work on in the future.”
Sustainability Professional 2023
French-speaking category:
Isabelle De Bruyne, Chief Sustainability Officer, CFE
“I am really happy to win this award! I thank CFE and all my colleagues for their trust! It is through good partnerships that we create sustainable value and honour our credo: Changing for good. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the two Sustainability Ambassadors, because what they do is just as important.”
Sustainability Professional 2022
Dutch-speaking category:
Nele Van Damme, Co-CEO of Upgrade Estate
“I am so glad I can add this award to my achievements. The tension had me weak in the knees. The other finalists were, of course, also deserving. This recognition is intensely valuable to me, my co-CEO, and all our employees who help us translate our core values to concrete and sustainable actions. This award boosts our motivation and confirms that we are doing the right thing. How do I see my role as Sustainability Professional? I want to inspire others and emphasize that small steps also make a difference. If you use an underlying long-term plan, things will eventually go according to that plan.”
Sustainability Professional 2022
French-speaking category:
Bruno Van Steenberghe, Managing director of Kalani-Home
“I am happy, surprised, and thankful to have won this award. This is a tremendous recognition not only for myself but for our entire team. The other finalists were real heavy hitters. We live in an age in which sustainability will become crucial. As Sustainability Professional 2022, I want to be a worthy ambassador. It would be amazing if I could inspire others to have a positive impact. I want to thank everyone that has supported me: my friends, my family, the members of the jury, our customers, and everyone who voted for me. And of course, who could forget the anonymous person who nominated me in the first place (laughs)?”
CSR Professional of the Year 2021
Dutch-speaking category:
Philippe Weiler, Head of Sustainability Lidl Belgium
“I am very happy with this recognition. We and two other organisations stood together in the finals. Each of us brings CSR alive in our own way. But all of us have the same goal, which is to be a part of that transition.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2021
French-speaking category:
Salvatore Iannello, CEO La Chocolaterie Galler
“This is an emotional moment. When the project of one man becomes that of a team and then of a whole cooperating company, it is magical. This title is not mine but the whole company’s!”
CSR Professional of the Year 2020
Dutch-speaking category:
Caroline Pauwels, rector Vrije Universiteit Brussel
“Our university teaches our youth the values of social responsibility. The next generations will take good care of our planet – of that I am sure. If we focus on positive things, we can achieve so much together.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2020
French-speaking category:
Nicolas Declercq, founder Brasserie Leopold 7
“I dream that in 50 years time, my children will say: my father was a pioneer. Beer is a valued product and people associate it with passion. My passion for beer production goes hand in hand with a great number of values. To me, that’s very important.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2019
Dutch-speaking category:
Ann Claes, Chief Buying Officer, JBC
“I am very happy with this award, which actually belongs to our entire team. We have been working hard on more sustainability over the past few years. One example we are very proud of, is that we are now selling 100% recycled jeans at JBC. This award is a nice recognition for the route we have taken.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2019
French-speaking category:
Pascal Léglise, CSR Director, Carrefour Belgium
“Together with my team, I have been working for more than 10 years on the road to more sustainable entrepreneurship in retail. And today we are reaping the benefits, together with the local producers that we support though Act for Food. This award is a great recognition of our work!”
CSR Professional of the Year 2018
category large enterprise:
Eric de Deckere, Senior Technical Manager Sustainable Transition, Port of Antwerp
“Winning this award is a recognition of the trajectory we have followed so far. In 2010 and 2011 we started reporting on sustainability. This eventually resulted in concrete actions. Right now we are in the midst of a transition. Reporting is still one of our core practices, but now we are doing so much more. This prize is a reward for all our hard work, for the team and for the companies that are involved in the harbour community and are willing to undertake steps with the aim of becoming more sustainable.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2018
category SME:
Philip Van Kelst, founder & CEO, Kasteelhoeve Wange
“This prize is nice reward! Since the foundation of Kasteelhoeve Wange we have been making a lot of CSR efforts in order to become sustainable. It was a fundamental choice, also out of financial considerations. It has been a lonely and frightful way at times, but along the way we have gathered a whole community, which I find very fulfilling. People believe in us, they connect with us. This award is the icing on the cake!”
CSR Professional of the Year 2017
category large enterprise:
Ann Vandenhende, CSR Manager Spadel
“This award is a recognition for the entire Spadel team. My CEO, Marc Du Bois, deserves praise and a ‘thank you’ as well. In the field of CSR he’s at least as passionate as I am. Without his enthusiasm, I wouldn’t have been able to do the work I’m doing today. And I’ll keep on doing my job with loads of enthusiasm!”
CSR Professional of the Year 2017
category SME:
Joost Callens, CEO Durabrik
“I’m blown away a bit. I want to dedicate this award to my team and I want to thank them for their hard work. In the words of Toon Hermans: ‘There have to be people that ignite suns, before the world rains away’. I’m happy that I can make a contribution.”
CSR Professional of the Year 2016:
Michel Croisé, president Sodexo Benelux
“This award is a recognition for the whole team of Sodexo. It is a pleasure to motivate people who are already motivated. But the most important thing is that we all take steps towards a better society.”