Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
For nearly twenty years, I led a project that was never supposed to exist. After training as a lawyer, I found myself launching a cultural and hospitality concept in Brussels with no background in the industry, no roadmap and very little certainty about how to make it work. That project became Cook & Book. Over the years we built something unique: a hybrid place where books, culture, food and people meet. What began as an experiment grew into a landmark destination, employing up to 100 people and generating more than €7 million (accross two sites) in annual revenue. But the real story behind those numbers is the journey of building an organization from scratch. Launching a concept. Structuring governance. Building teams. Scaling operations. Navigating crises. Reinventing the model again and again. For the first time, I am taking the time to look back at those twenty years. Over the coming weeks, I will share a series of reflections about what it really means to build and lead an organization over time: the successes, the crises, the lessons and the transformations that happen along the way. Because behind every organization there is a human journey. And I believe those stories matter. I am now exploring my next chapter: contributing my experience to organizations seeking strategic transformation, sustainable growth and strong human leadership.
Founder and Managing Director with nearly twenty years of experience building, scaling and leading a multi-site business in complex, high-intensity operational and human environments. I successfully grew the organisation from inception to a sustainable annual turnover exceeding €5M, while structuring governance, teams and processes to support long-term resilience. My legal background, combined with hands-on executive leadership, provides a strong foundation in governance, risk management and compliance, reinforcing my credibility within regulated environments and at Board level. Currently in a professional transition, I am seeking to contribute my experience to an existing organisation with a clear long-term vision and strong values, as CEO or senior executive, supporting transformation, governance and sustainable growth within an challenging environment and people-oriented culture. - Founded and developed an innovative hybrid concept combining hospitality, catering, bookshop, retail, culture and events. - Full P&L responsibility and global leadership : strategy, governance, finance, legal, operations and human resources - Scaled the company from a start-up to over €5 million annual revenue, with up to 70 employees - Designed and implemented governance structures to ensure long-term sustainability - Successfully led the organisation through major crises (COVID-19 pandemic, energy crisis, judicial restructuring process (debt reduction of €1.95 million)) - Built and mentored a strong management team, ensuring autonomy, continuity and leadership succession International development - pre-expansion projects Paris (2016) : feasibility study and strategic adaptation of the concept to the French market Séoul (2019) : pre-expansion project for the Asian market, integrating cultural, economic and operational challenges
Opened and managed a second location (from start-up to €1,5M+ annual revenue). Adapted the business model and optimised operational processes. Direct Management of teams and day-to-day operations (employing up to 15 staff).
Public and constitutional law associate for Tangui Vandenput, Brussels Bar (NL)
Advocatenkantoor PEETERS, Barreau de Bruxelles (NL)