Wouter Vandenhaute and Erik Watte: The Media Turn of a Magnate
Wouter Vandenhaute and Erik Watte
Wouter Vandenhaute, known for his involvement in television production, founded the renowned company Woestijnvis, based in Leuven. His fortune is estimated at over 11 million eurosHe is now one of Belgium's top 680 richest personalities. He comes from a line of journalists, with his grandfather Louis Kiebooms at the head of the editorial staff of the Gazet van Antwerpen for over a decade, Vandenhaute holds a degree in physical education from the Université Catholique de Louvain.
His journalistic career began at Humo, then De Morgen, and ultimately BRT, where he worked with influential figures in sports journalism. He became famous as co-host of an entertainment show with Marc Uytterhoeven. In 1997, Vandenhaute, with Jan Huyse and Erik Watté, founded Woestijnvis which became a major player in the production of television programs in Flanders, such as "Man bijt hond", "De Mol" and "Alles Kan Beter". Woestijnvis was awarded the prestigious Rose d'or de Montreux prize for excellence in "De Mol".
The company went through various phases, such as its collaboration with the Vlaamse Uitgeversmaatschappij and the short-lived Bonanza magazine. After the end of exclusivity with VRTVandenhaute reoriented its activities, acquiring shares in magazines and TV channels, including Vier and Vijf.
A cycling enthusiast, Vandenhaute has acquired major Flemish cycling events, grouping them together under Flanders Classics. He also invested in the soccer by becoming Chairman of the club Anderlechtwith Vincent Kompany helping to finance the club.
In 2018, Vandenhaute and Watté withdrew from their ownership position in De Vijver Media, transferring their shares to Telenet, which significantly reduced their wealth and influence in the media sector with more than 10 million euros in assets. Despite the challenges, Vandenhaute remains an active chairman of the Belgian sports and media scene.
