Project Manager
of the Year 2025

Eric Coppens’ project focused on optimising the conditioning of acidic aqueous liquid radioactive waste at the Belgoprocess site. The aim was to refine a multi-stage cementation process to reduce costs, increase operational robustness, and ensure regulatory compliance without compromising quality.

Federico Di Maio’s project involved managing a complex drug development programme with high scientific uncertainty and frequent scope changes. The focus was on maintaining control over timelines, cost, and decision points while introducing agility into a traditionally waterfall-driven environment.

Hippolyte Despres’ project focused on monetising part of Euroclear’s data assets. The objective was to generate value from selected datasets while maintaining compliance and alignment with organisational priorities.

Inne De Vries’ project involved leading a company-wide rebranding and cultural alignment initiative at BankB, supporting the organisation’s strategic goal of nearly doubling production by 2030. The work focused on defining core values, creating a new brand identity, and embedding it across all systems and customer touchpoints.

Jeroen Secuianu’s VerdeR project is a strategic investment by IGEAN Milieu en Veiligheid aimed at renewing and expanding the existing DRANCO anaerobic digestion facility at Site Noord. The objective is to optimise the transformation of GFT, verge grass, and cellulose into renewable energy and high-quality recycled materials, while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Joakim Larsson’s project involved replacing two wind turbine installation cranes on Cadeler’s vessels as part of a broader engineering and construction programme with GustoMSC -NOV. The work covered global logistics, removal of the old cranes, installation of the new ones, and final commissioning, all delivered on time despite significant technical and operational challenges.

Michiel Coopman’s project involved implementing remote operation for all locks and hydropower stations along the 129 km Albertkanaal. A new control centre in Hasselt now manages six lock complexes and associated facilities, marking a significant step towards innovation and efficiency in waterway management in Flanders.

Sandrine Alric’s project involved creating dedicated support teams for ecommerce services provided to 200 VIP customers worldwide. The objective was to establish these teams from the ground up, ensuring they could deliver consistent, high-quality service. Within six months, they were fully operational and achieving higher satisfaction ratings than other business lines.

Sébastien Lacroix’s project focused on preparing stakeholders in Wallonia for the arrival of the European Gigabit Infrastructure Act. It involved engaging with the Belgian Representation and BIPT during the negotiation phase, mapping all stakeholders, communicating the regulation’s implications, and identifying the actions needed for compliance.

Thibault Draye is CEO and Program Manager at DTSC, a consultancy company specialised in Engineering and IT. Through DTSC, he supports Infrabel in the deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 across Belgium’s railway network, as part of Infrabel’s ETCS Masterplan. The goal of this program is to enhance safety, interoperability, and efficiency through a nationwide signalling upgrade, replacing traditional trackside signals with continuous in-cab communication.