Brussels Metropolitan Area
The most expensive leadership mistake in 2026 is not adopting AI. It is appointing executives who cannot govern it. I help boards and CEOs avoid that mistake. For 30+ years, I have led retained executive search at C-suite and board level across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Since 2018, my practice has focused on AI-era leadership: executives operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence, governance, and organisational transformation. Today, executive search is evolving into a talent intelligence discipline — combining human judgment with AI-enabled market mapping, data enrichment, and structured decision support systems. I operate at this intersection. I support organisations in: • CEO, C-suite and board-level executive search • AI, digital and transformation leadership appointments • Governance-aware leadership selection in regulated environments • Cross-border executive hiring in complex geopolitical contexts • Succession planning in technology-driven transformation My approach combines: • Retained executive search methodology (confidential, research-led) • AI-enabled talent intelligence for market mapping and candidate discovery • Human evaluation focused on leadership judgment, adaptability, and execution capability • Strong emphasis on governance, transparency, and EU AI Act-aligned practices AI supports discovery. Human judgment drives decisions. AI leadership today operates across two models: • United States: speed, scale, commercial AI adoption • Europe: governance, accountability, regulatory trust Most organisations need both. I help bridge them. I am a member of the EU AI Pact (European Commission) and the Apply AI Alliance, contributing to discussions on high-risk AI systems, AI literacy, and recruitment governance. This provides direct visibility into how AI regulation is shaping leadership requirements globally. Boards engage me when leadership decisions carry transformation, regulatory, or reputational risk. Brussels-based. Operating globally. AI-native executive search under EU governance standards. Founder, 1on1 Executive Search (est. 1994)
I founded 1on1 Executive Search to operate exclusively in retained executive search, supporting boards and CEOs on senior leadership appointments where discretion, judgment, and long-term impact are critical. My work focuses on identifying and engaging senior leaders who are not actively in the market, often for roles reshaped by technology, regulatory pressure, or strategic transformation. These mandates typically involve ambiguity, first-of-a-kind roles, or leadership transitions carrying significant organizational and reputational risk. Core focus • Retained CEO, C-suite, and board-level search • Leadership appointments in AI-driven and highly regulated environments • Board and CEO advisory on leadership risk, succession, and transformation • Identification of leaders with latent capabilities rather than replicated profiles Approach • Confidential, research-driven executive search beyond visible talent pools • Direct engagement with passive senior leaders across industries and geographies • Human-centered assessment focused on judgment, learning agility, and leadership under uncertainty • AI and data used as enabling infrastructure — never as decision-makers Context & credibility Since 2018, I have worked at the intersection of executive search and artificial intelligence, following closely how AI reshapes leadership roles, governance models, and organizational design. I regularly participate in international business and technology forums and advise boards on the leadership implications of emerging technologies and regulatory evolution. I hold certifications in AI, Generative AI, and Prompt Engineering, and I am a Project Management Professional (PMP). Selected client experience PwC, IBM, SAP, Accenture, Deloitte, Reuters, TotalEnergies, Colgate-Palmolive, Atos, Christofle, and international SAP partner ecosystems.
• Conducted a comprehensive Project Management course for civil engineers as part of a professional development program.
• As Chief Marketing Officer, I pioneered the creation of the first Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in France, well before CRM tools became mainstream. This involved realigning distribution channels from hypermarkets to local libraries, ensuring the group's books were prominently featured and promoted through media and book fairs with author signings. • Additionally, I implemented comprehensive sales and distribution tracking across multiple countries, working closely with writers, publishers, and editors to maximize book presence and enhance promotional efforts.
• As the Strategic Business Unit Chief Marketing Officer, I successfully led the local marketing departments in various countries to adapt the global brand positioning statements to align with local consumer sensitivities. This approach ensured the brand resonated with local needs and preferences, resulting in solid market share gains versus the competition. • Additionally, I developed new brand positioning statements and managed international marketing and advertising campaigns to further strengthen the brand's presence in diverse markets.
• As a Marketing & Sales Consultant, I presented over 500 analyses to top executives, demonstrating my ability to turn adverse results into actionable strategies and consistently secure their buy-in. • Awarded for best client-oriented marketing reports and business development.