VARIO in new composition off to a flying start

Yesterday, Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele installed the newly composed VARIO. He emphasized the importance of VARIO. "The Flemish Government attaches great importance to the independent advisory reports of VARIO for stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship in Flanders. With this new composition, VARIO can continue to provide proactive recommendations and serve as a sounding board in the rollout of government policy." He also outlined the role that VARIO will play in this legislature. According to chairman Lieven Danneels, the new team, with strong profiles and the dynamics they will bring, is indeed ready for a new mandate of strong advisory reports. He also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing members for their strong commitment.

Lieven Danneels, co-CEO of Televic Group, remains chairman. The reappointed members are: Katrin Geyskens (partner at Capricorn Partners), Koen Vanhalst (partner at De Clercq & Partners), and Vanessa Vankerckhoven (CEO of Idevax). Additionally, five new members strengthen VARIO: Ann Caluwaerts (strategic business leader, former Telenet), Veroniek Collewaert (professor of entrepreneurship at Vlerick Business School), Stephanie De Bruyne (CEO of Itsme), Stijn Kelchtermans (professor of strategy and innovation at KU Leuven and UHasselt), and Jan Vander Stichele (chairman of Lotus Bakeries). Ann Caluwaerts has been appointed by the council members as deputy chairman.