Marc Coucke, Belgian billionaire with an estimated fortune of over 1.25 billion euros, is the epitome of successful entrepreneurship. From the founding of Omega Pharma to his varied investments in sport, leisure and healthcare, Coucke continues to make his mark on the Belgian and international business landscape in 2024.
Yomi Denzel, a 28-year-old Swiss entrepreneur, has rapidly built a fortune estimated at 42 million euros through e-commerce and online training. His journey is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs around the world, demonstrating that it's possible to turn an idea into a digital empire.
Robert Hoornaert, a civil engineer by training, was able to transform a minority holding into a construction empire with assets estimated at over 130 million euros. At the helm of the Bruges-based Artes Group, Hoornaert has expanded the company through strategic acquisitions, strengthening its position in the Belgian building and construction sector. Find out how this visionary entrepreneur led the Artes Group to become one of the market leaders.
Jef Machiels and his family have transformed their business from gravel extraction to a diversified empire in waste treatment, renewable energy, sustainable construction and real estate. With assets estimated at over 203 million euros, the Machiels family is distinguished by its commitment to sustainable development and its expansion into innovative sectors, with projects such as 'Closing the Circle' and the Maastricht real estate development redefining industry standards.
Marc Reynders, alongside his brothers Paul and Jacques, successfully manages Reynders Label Printing, a Belgian family business specializing in self-adhesive label printing. Founded in 1956, the company is now a major player in the sector, with sales in excess of 180 million euros and an international presence. With assets valued at 244 million euros, the Reynders family ranks among the 110 richest families in Belgium, demonstrating sustained profitability and growth.
Guido Dumarey, Belgian engineer and businessman, has built an industrial empire through strategic acquisitions in the automotive sector. After turning Punch into a major, diversified player, he refocused his efforts on his private holding company, Creacorp, pursuing innovative projects such as Punch Powerglide. In 2019, he secured the future of his empire by involving his children, bringing the Dumarey family net worth to 745 million euros. Discover the journey of a pragmatic leader who remains a key player in the industry.
Discover the incredible story of Dominiek Dumoulin, who transformed the family business United Petfood into a European leader in pet food, with a personal fortune in excess of 168 million euros. Thanks to an audacious acquisition strategy and a strategic partnership with Waterland, United Petfood has experienced dazzling growth, strengthening its position on the international market.
Rudi De Winter and Françoise Chombar, figureheads of Melexis and X-Fab, have built an empire in microelectronics, with a combined fortune of over 1 billion euros. Thanks to their expertise and leadership, Melexis is one of the world leaders in automotive sensors. Although they have recently reorganized their shareholdings, the couple continue to play a key role in the industry, illustrating the growing influence of Belgian entrepreneurs on the world stage.
The Emsens family, ranked among the 14 richest families in Belgium, controls an industrial empire with companies such as SCR-Sibelco, Aliaxis and Etex. These multinationals, specializing in sand mining, construction products and materials such as asbestos cement, reinforce the Emsens' influence on the global market. With assets of over 2.6 billion euros, the Emsens family is also extending its influence through strategic investments in companies such as Sofina and Solvay, consolidating their position as one of Belgium's leading industrial dynasties.
Dr. Paul Janssen, founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, is one of the most influential figures in the Belgian pharmaceutical industry. With a legacy estimated at over 300 million euros, Janssen revolutionized medicine with innovative medicines, while remaining a central figure in the company after its takeover by Johnson & Johnson. In addition to his medical contributions, he left a significant cultural imprint, with a unique collection of pre-Columbian art. Discover how this visionary built a pharmaceutical empire while influencing Belgian art and economics.
