2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EXPATS FEEL AT HOME RIGHT AWAY.
GET YOUR FREE PREMIUM PACK!
The Premium Pack includes 3 multi-currency accounts, up to 2 Gold credit cards* and many more advantages. BNP Paribas Fortis offers you personalised banking & insurance solutions. Apply from home now, it’s really easy!
bnpparibasfortis.be/expatinbelgium
* Subject to approval of your application.
Publisher: E. Jacqueroux, BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV, Montagne du Parc/Warandeberg 3, 1000 Brussels, RPM Brussels, TVA BE 0403.199.702, FSMA n° 25.879A
IN A CHANGING WORLD,
CONTENTS
CONTENTS LETTER FROM CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES, A.I. 2 LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE 3 AMCHAM BELGIUM ABOUT US 6 HOW WE WORK 7 WHO WE ARE 8 THE SECRETARIAT 9 OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS 10 OUR GOLD SPONSORS 11 US IN BELGIUM IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM 14 EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP 16 2017, YEAR IN REVIEW IN NUMBERS 20 COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS 21 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 31 OUR MEMBERS COMPANY LISTING 42 INDEX 90 AMCHAMS IN EUROPE 94
Additional copies of the AmCham Yearbook may be obtained at the price of €39 for members and €79 for non-members. Information about our member companies is also available on our website. Company listings can also be purchased. This listing is not for reproduction, either in part or in full. copyright © 2018 american chamber of commerce in belgium
EDITEUR RESPONSABLE/ VERANTWOORDELIJKE UITGEVER
Daniel Pyster, External Affairs Director
ADVERTISING
Corianne Oosterbaan, Public Affairs Assistant
DISCLAIMER
Although every effort has been made to make this listing as accurate and comprehensive as possible, it cannot be regarded as all-inclusive and free from errors, nor does it purport to be authoritative as to legal status or relationship existing between the American firms and individuals involved and their business enterprises in Belgium. AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
1
LETTER FROM CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES, A.I.
LETTER FROM CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES, A.I. On behalf of the US Embassy in Brussels, congratulations to the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium on an incredible year.
Matthew Lussenhop Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. US Embassy to Belgium
I am consistently impressed by the constructive approach AmCham Belgium takes in identifying opportunities and challenges in the business and trade environment in Belgium. AmCham Belgium’s recent report on “Embracing Transformation” identifies concrete priorities for growing the Belgian economy and expanding our bilateral trade and investment partnership. One of the top priorities for the US Embassy in Belgium is to enhance the strong business framework here and support US investments in Belgian innovation. We are ramping up our successful “SelectUSA” initiative to facilitate more foreign investment into the United States, offering a variety of resources for Belgian firms looking to invest. The United States benefits greatly from its strong ties to Belgium’s open, advanced and export-oriented economy. Our country enjoys a trade surplus in goods with Belgium, and the United States is the second largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Belgium, with many of these key investments made by AmCham member companies. Belgium is a small country that punches above its weight in many areas, not least in the economic arena – it is the 12th largest source of FDI in the United States. The United States remains committed to a Europe that is free, whole, and at peace. A robust transatlantic trade and investment relationship with Europe is fundamental to that commitment. As part of this enduring transatlantic partnership, the US Embassy will remain a strong partner of AmCham Belgium and looks forward to success and growth in this coming year.
Matthew Lussenhop Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. US Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium
2
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE We are pleased to present another edition of the AmCham Yearbook, which offers a look back at last year’s activities and achievements and a directory of our member companies.
Howard Liebman President
Marcel Claes Chief Executive
2017 was particularly busy on the advocacy front. We launched a new edition of our flagship policy publication, the Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, in September. In it, we presented a new key priority: to encourage Belgium to improve its country-wide governance. In the meantime, our Committees were busy throughout the year advancing our policy goals. The Human Resources Committee released two new position papers, and the Legal & Taxation Committee was extremely active championing a corporate tax reform that was not only meaningful for international companies but also responsive to international tax developments. The Chamber is only as strong as its Committees, and we therefore wish to thank our many volunteers who are active in our various Committees. In October, our Committees held leadership elections. We would like to sincerely thank all of the Chairs and Vice-Chairs who served as volunteer leaders for the past two years – and in some cases, much longer – and to congratulate the newly-elected and re-elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs. We would, in particular, like to thank Jeroen Langerock, Lisa Salas, Kris Schellens, Kathleen Swaelen, Roel Van Werde and Benoît Willems for their past invaluable service in leadership roles. Looking ahead, 2018 is a special year for AmCham Belgium as the Chamber celebrates its 70th anniversary. The Chamber, in its current form, was established in 1948, although we can trace our roots back to the AngloAmerican Chamber of Commerce, which was created in 1898, 120 years ago. To celebrate this milestone, we will be organizing a special gala in the second half of the year, at which we hope you will join us. 2018 is also the Chamber’s “Year of Logistics”. Logistics will serve as a common thread in all of our activities, tying together events, publications and advocacy initiatives in the year ahead. If you would like to get involved in our “Year of Logistics” activities, please contact the Secretariat for more information. Thank you once again to our member companies, Strategic Sponsors, Event Sponsors, Committee members and Secretariat staff for your commitment and service to the US-Belgian business community. We look forward to another ambitious and successful year!
Howard Liebman, President
Marcel Claes, Chief Executive
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
3
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
4
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
AMCHAM BELGIUM
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
5
ABOUT US
ABOUT US The American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium (AmCham Belgium) is one of the largest and most influential business organizations in the country. Founded in 1948, it has over 450 members who together strive for a more competitive and prosperous Belgium. AmCham Belgium is an independent non-profit organization. In addition to US companies in Belgium, our members include local and other international businesses operating in the country.
Our mission is to improve business and investment opportunities for the US-Belgian business community. AmCham Belgium plays a pivotal role in an evolving business environment by focusing on three main areas of activity: ADVOCACY The Chamber is the leading voice of US and other international companies in the public debate on the labor market, corporate taxation, R&D and innovation, mobility and many other challenges. NETWORKING We provide our large community of business professionals with the opportunity to network with each other – and with policymakers. KNOWLEDGE-SHARING We also offer our members a platform to learn from each other, share best practices and discuss issues affecting their industry.
rue du TrĂ´ne 60/6 Troonstraat - 1050 Brussels T +32 (0)2 513 67 70 | F +32(0)2 513 35 90 info@amcham.be | www.amcham.be @AmChamBE facebook.com/AmChamBelgium linkedin.com/company/amcham-belgium
6
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
HOW WE WORK
HOW WE WORK AmCham Belgium’s most effective advocacy tool is its extensive Committee network. Through our Committees, you can help us get your voice heard by political decision-makers and share knowledge with fellow professionals. Once your company becomes an AmCham Belgium member, your employees can take an active role in our advocacy initiatives, local outreach efforts, communications and membership strategies by joining a Committee. Run by volunteers who donate their time and expertise to the Chamber, these Committees create a strong and unified voice to promote business in Belgium.
ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
7
WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Liebman, President
Laura Ahto, CEO, The Bank of New York Mellon NV/SA
Philip Alliet, Vice-President
Philip Alliet, CEO Belux, Aon Belgium BVBA/SPRL
John Largent, Treasurer
Eddy Bonne, Managing Partner, Romulus NV/SA
Paul Van Hooghten, Secretary
Marcel Claes, Chief Executive, AmCham Belgium
Marina Fernhout-Mollemans, Member
Tom Declercq, Managing Partner Tax and Legal, Deloitte Belgium
Jacques Platieau, Member
Wim Eraly, Senior General Manager, KBC Group NV/SA
John Porter, Member
Jean Eylenbosch, Vice President European Government Relations, Coca-Cola European Partners
HONORARY DIRECTORS Matthew Lussenhop, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., US Embassy to Belgium
Marina Fernhout-Mollemans, Managing Director Benelux, 3M Belgium Yvan Jansen, Partner, Managing Director of Brussels Office, A.T. Kearney Jeffrey Paul Johnson, Vice-President and General Manager Europe, Graco Roger Kearns, Member of the Executive Committee, Solvay NV/SA
Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ambassador, US Mission to NATO
Philippe Lacroix, Managing Director, Manpower Belgium NV/SA
Adam Shub, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i, US Mission to the EU
Gottfried Leibbrandt, CEO, SWIFT
STATUTORY AUDITOR KPMG, represented by Patricia Leleu
John Largent, Chairman, Magic Monkey
Howard Liebman, Of Counsel, Jones Day Joost Maes, Managing Partner, Egon Zehnder Annick Meerschman, Managing Director, Dow Silicones Belgium SPRL Jacques Platieau, Vice-President, Country General Manager IBM BelgiumLuxembourg, IBM Belgium BVBA/SPRL John Porter, CEO, Telenet Axel Smits, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Belgium Pascale Van Damme, Managing Director Commercial Belux, Dell Cis Van Doninck, Vice-President Finance Food Ingredients & Systems/General Manager Belgium, Cargill Europe Paul Van Hooghten, Partner, Head of Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions, Linklaters LLP BOARD ADVISORS Stef Heylen, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV Jan Michielsen, Lead Country Manager Benelux and Manager Europe Product Supply, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA Fernando Falcón Romero, Managing Director, UPS Belgium NV
8
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
THE SECRETARIAT
THE SECRETARIAT OUR SECRETARIAT Marcel Claes, Chief Executive mclaes@amcham.be Daniel Pyster, External Affairs Director dpyster@amcham.be Sue Wheeler, Policy, Finance & Administration Director swheeler@amcham.be
Marcel Claes
Daniel Pyster
Corianne Oosterbaan, Public Affairs Assistant coosterbaan@amcham.be Dawn Smith, Events Manager dsmith@amcham.be Menouch Solimani, Office Manager msolimani@amcham.be
Sue Wheeler
Christophe Van Elewyck, Policy Coordinator cvanelewyck@amcham.be Corianne Oosterbaan
Johanna Vijverman, Policy Officer jvijverman@amcham.be HONORARY MEMBERS Dawn Smith
Mitch Larsen, Counselor for Commercial Affairs, US Embassy Michele Dastin-Van Rijn, Political-Economic Affairs Counselor, US Embassy Menouch Solimani
Christophe Van Elewyck
Johanna Vijverman
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
9
OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS
OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS
Deloitte, www.deloitte.com
Janssen Pharmaceutica, www.janssen.com/belgium
PwC, www.pwc.be
10
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
C 81 M0 Y39 K0
C25 M20 Y20 K30
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
11
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
12
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
US IN BELGIUM
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
13
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM
900 US GROUPS EMPLOY MORE THAN
127,000 PEOPLE
US companies have been anchored in the Belgian economy for a long time. Over the years, their presence has only increased. In 2016, total US investment in Belgium amounted to $55 billion. The US remains the largest source of foreign direct investment in Belgium – indeed, in 2016, 31 of 200 (15%) new FDI projects in Belgium came from the US. This investment translates into jobs in the local economy. The 900 US groups active in Belgium directly employ more than 127,000 people, which represents 4.5% of total private sector employment in the country. Almost half of US employment – 55,900 of 127,000 – is found in the manufacturing sector, where it represents 12.1% of the total employment.
US
14
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
TOTAL MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT IN BELGIUM
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM
US investment in R&D and innovation in Belgium represented one-third of all private sector R&D investment in the country at its peak in 2013. It has since decreased, but US companies remain major trading partners of Belgium. The US is Belgiumʼs 4th largest source of imports - and the most important outside of the EU. US companies further demonstrate their commitment to Belgium through their deep engagement in local communities. They help advance overall societal well-being through a vast array of projects. We call this Community Impact. There are direct community benefits from proximity to US companies – 81% of projects are organized in the company’s immediate surroundings. Projects are well-matched to societal needs, with a particular emphasis on youth issues, and they are increasingly linked to the company’s core business.
US INVESTMENT IN R&D AND INNOVATION IN BELGIUM GREW IN BILLION € 7 6
30.7
40.6%
40.8%
18.0%
15.5%
%
5 4
7.4%
20.6
2004
2005
%
19.8%
18.5%
18.5
%
36.3%
30.1%
3 2 1
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
15
EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP
EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP As international companies re-evaluate their corporate footprints, Belgium has the opportunity to anchor existing and attract new regional headquarters (RHQs). Not only are RHQs an important source of direct and indirect employment, but the location of these decision centers also has a significant influence on subsequent investment decisions, according to our report: Belgium as a Hub for Regional Headquarters.
LOCATION MATTERS The majority of companies represented in our report consider the location of their RHQ to be quite important for further investment decisions. That means that when Belgium attracts corporate decision centers, it increases its chances of receiving subsequent investment from these companies. After establishing their RHQ in Belgium, international companies are likely to invest in other high value-added sectors such as manufacturing, sales/ services, R&D or logistics. International companies are attracted to Belgium by its ideal location, in proximity to key markets and international institutions, as well as the talented, highly educated and multilingual workforce.
URGENT REFORM NEEDED
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Manage government spending • Cut administrative burdens
16
However, in order to become a truly competitive location for RHQs, the Belgian Government must address the country’s manifest weaknesses. Our 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium contains recommendations in four key policy areas for Belgium to attract investment, accelerate economic growth and create employment. For the first time, our member companies have expressed strong concerns about country governance, including inefficient government spending, policy inconsistencies and administrative burdens. “Belgium’s increasingly complex governance structure is not only difficult for foreign investors to understand, it is also holding the country back from making bold and transformative reforms,” said Marcel Claes, Chief Executive of AmCham Belgium.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Reduce the corporate income tax rate to 20% for all companies
• Provide a simple and predictable fiscal framework
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Adjust automatic wage indexation
• Cap social charges • Simplify talent acquisition
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Tackle congestion with creative solutions
• Invest in infrastructure
On corporate taxation, for example, the Summer Agreement, while welcome, does not go far enough to improve Belgium’s competitiveness – it will reduce the headline rate but not the overall tax burden on business, because of the need to be budget neutral. Some of the compensatory measures also send an unwelcome signal to investors, missing the opportunity to shift toward a more collaborative relationship between the tax administration and taxpayers. Increased collaboration between public and private actors and between different public authorities will be necessary to achieve fundamental progress in all of these policy areas. In addition to country governance and corporate taxation, our member companies are also concerned about the labor market and mobility, both of which are experiencing profound change. “New technologies and business models are changing the way we work and the way we move,” added Claes. “Belgium needs to adapt to stay competitive.” To attract and retain investment in the rapidly evolving international political and economic environment, Belgium must embrace transformation with far-reaching and farsighted reforms. AmCham Belgium is ready to work together with all levels of government, on the basis of our 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, in this change process.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
17
EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP
18
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION TO PUT BELGIUM ON THE MAP
2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
19
IN NUMBERS
IN NUMBERS
450+ Member companies 61% Regular 27% Sustaining 12% Patron
1350+ Event participants 41 Events See more on ‘Event Highlights’ page 31
80+ Committee meetings 225+ Committee members 9 Committees
20
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP • Company visit to Pfizer (Puurs) • Luncheon with Flemish Minister for Work and Economy, Philippe Muyters COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE • Three videos: Year in Review, AmCham in 100 Seconds, 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium • Three publications: 2017 AmCham Yearbook, Belgium as a Hub for Regional Headquarters and 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM • Facilitated meetings with the study centers of CD&V, MR, N-VA and Open VLD • Met with Cabinets of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense and Public Services as well as the Federal Planning Bureau HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE • Position papers on labor migration and on labor market flexibility • New ‘Labor Market Flexibility’ Taskforce INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE • Real World Data (RWD) project • New ‘Projects’ and ‘Events’ Taskforces LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE • Position papers i.a. on Multilateral Convention, Transfer Pricing, Country-by-Country Reporting • Lobbying success: CCCTB, Corporate Tax Reduction, 100% DBI MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE • Small US affiliates campaign • 461 members NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE • Nominated one Board advisor • Proposed two new Vice-Presidents YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE • Five Young Professionals @ Noon luncheons • Leaders of Today & Tomorrow Speed Networking
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
21
ANTWERP CHAPTER
ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP chair
Mr. Joost Van Roost, Former President ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical vice-chair
Mr. Joris Bulteel, Whyte Corporate Affairs mission
The Antwerp Chapter's aim is to improve business and investment opportunities for the large US-Belgian business community in the Antwerp region and develop an active program of local/regional activities in this region.
Set up in 2012, the Antwerp Chapter Steering Group aims to increase the Chamber’s reach among the many US and international businesses in the wider Antwerp area and to provide these companies with a regular and varied program of networking and information opportunities. Chaired by Joost Van Roost, former President of ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical, it is composed of senior business leaders from the region and supported by the AmCham Belgium Secretariat. In November 2017, Joris Bulteel, Partner at Whyte Corporate Affairs, was elected as Vice-Chair. During 2017, the Antwerp Chapter organized three successful events in the region. In May, we held a discussion on ‘What can we expect from the new US Government’ at the Antwerp International School. This was followed in September by a luncheon with Minister for Work and Economy, Philippe Muyters, who shared his unique perspective and insights on the Flemish Government’s plans for increasing investment and innovation in Flanders. Finally, in November, we held an informative company visit to Pfizer’s Global Supply site in Puurs, their largest European manufacturing and packaging unit and one of the largest units worldwide. Events in the pipeline for 2018 include two company visits to major companies in the region and an exclusive luncheon with Minister Jambon. In Spring, we also plan a launch event, in Antwerp, for our Importance of US Companies in Belgium: Logistics report. This will be part of our "Year of Logistics" initiative in 2018. Also being worked on is an event with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, whose 2018 season will have a US theme.
NOVEMBER 20
Company Visit to Pfizer,
Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV
22
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE chair
Mr. Koen Peeters, CS&A International vice-chairs
Ms. Kara Condon, FTI Consulting Mr. Thierry Habotte, Wallonia Export & Investment Agency mission
The Communications Committee aims to position AmCham Belgium as the authoritative voice of US businesses in Belgium.
2017 was another busy year for the Communications Committee. In its continued effort to increase the Chamber’s profile, and following up on the #Yes2Belgium campaign in 2016, the Communications Committee underscored the importance of highlighting the attractive aspects of Belgium through inspiring member stories of companies with operations in Belgium for many years. With guidance from the Committee, the Chamber released a new publication: Belgium as a Hub for Regional Headquarters, to demonstrate the importance of attracting regional headquarters, which play a major role in subsequent investment decisions. In order for Belgium to maintain and improve its international competitiveness, it must embrace transformation and act, focusing on four main concerns, highlighted in our 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium. Our publications, the Chamber’s strong position papers, particularly on taxation, and several interviews given by our Chief Executive, Marcel Claes, and other Chamber representatives earned us 101 mentions in both print and audiovisual media during the past year. The Chamber’s presence increased online, thanks to more visual communication including three successful videos. In addition to the traditional Year in Review video, featuring our Committee Chairs, the Communications Committee advised on the production of a promotional video for AmCham: AmCham in 100 seconds. Our latest publication was also animated and shared widely across various media channels. Our longstanding Chair, Kara Condon, decided to take a step back but remains in the Committee leadership as Vice-Chair, joined by newly-elected Vice-Chair Thierry Habotte. Koen Peeters stepped in as the new Chair of the Communications Committee, and we are really looking forward to working with him and the new team.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
23
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM chair
Mr. Geert Waelkens, ING Belgium vice-chairs
Ms. Anneliese Daelemans, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Mr. Laurent Fierens Gevaert, Philip Morris Benelux mission
The Government Relations Forum aims to promote the regular exchange of viewpoints and a constructive dialogue between Belgium-based international companies and federal and regional policymakers.
The Government Relations Forum (GRF) had an active and productive 2017, marked by a series of key interactions with political stakeholders. The GRF’s outreach and activities maintained its two-fold purpose of (1) introducing external stakeholders to the Chamber and its priorities and (2) engaging in constructive discussions with Government officials. This approach led to successful and valuable Government interactions. In addition to coordinating delegation meetings with political stakeholders to share the Chamber’s Belgium as a Hub for Regional Headquarters report and the 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium (PPB), the GRF met with several high-level stakeholders. Notably, the Forum met with Mr. Philippe De Backer, State Secretary for the Fight against Social Fraud, for Privacy and the North Sea; Mr. Rudy Volders, Director General Policy and Mr. Serge Rompteau, Advisor, both at Cabinet of the Prime Minister; Mr. Chris Van der Auwera, Director General Policy and Public Services, Cabinet of the Minister of Defense and Public Services; and Mr. Philippe Donnay, Commissioner, Federal Planning Bureau. Following the release of the 2017 PPB, the GRF facilitated successful meetings with the study centers from the political parties currently in the coalition government – CD&V, MR, N-VA and Open VLD. At every occasion, the GRF highlighted the Chamber’s priorities and contributed to building relationships at all levels of Government.
SEPTEMBER 28
Launch of 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium,
Hotel Metropole
24
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
In support of the other Committees, the GRF monitored evolving topics of interest to the Chamber, including mobility, digital efficiency and labor costs. The Forum held a cross-Committee meeting with HR professionals and provided guidance on labor migration-specific outreach concerns.
HUMAN RESOURCES
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE chair
Mr. David Webber, Odgers Berndtson vice-chair
Mr. Stefan Nerinckx, Fieldfisher mission
The Human Resources Committee’s role is to promote a Human Resources environment in Belgium which attracts and develops American business and its employees and contributes to their success.
The Human Resources Committee and its Taskforces engaged on various key topics for the Chamber and the international business community. Best practice and knowledge-sharing continued to be a vital component of the Committee’s work in 2017, which included a joint meeting with the Legal & Taxation Committee to debate capping social security contributions, the Expat Tax Regime and the ‘uberization’ of the labor market. The Committee also welcomed a variety of HR professionals to speak and hold interactive discussions on topics such as employee engagement, talent, labor cost, labor migration and labor market flexibility. After the successful lobbying to decrease overall labor costs and employers’ social charges as reflected in the Tax Shift, efforts continue to make Belgium’s labor cost more competitive through our proposal to introduce a salary cap on employers’ social charges. The Committee finalized a position paper on labor migration, specifically highlighting concerns and recommendations in regard to the implementation of EU legislation in Belgian law (e.g. Single Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT), etc…), key to remain business-friendly and attractive for foreign investors.
Furthermore, following the Government’s measures to improve labor market flexibility, in particular, the ‘Peeters Law’ (Travail Lunch & Learn: Effective faisable et maniable/Werkbaar en wendbaar werk), the Committee Compensation, established a new Labor Market Flexibility Taskforce. Its members Claeys & Engels contributed to the Committee’s most recent position paper that highlights areas where Belgium can further improve flexibility for the future by enacting changes in three key areas: the recording of working time, the lending of personnel and the development of new employee compensation and benefits models.
OCTOBER 12
The HR Committee also welcomed David Webber as Chair and Stefan Nerinckx as Vice-Chair, following the Committee’s biennial elections. The Committee plans to strengthen and expand its knowledge-sharing and advocacy activities in 2018 with further interactive round-table discussions and a key event with the National Labor Council in Belgium on disruptive technology and business models. Subcommittees and Taskforces Labor Market Flexibility Taskforce • Immigration Taskforce • Labor Cost Taskforce • Pensions Taskforce AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
25
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE chair
Ms. Olivia Natens, Medtronic Belgium vice-chairs
Mr. Benjamin Baelus, AbbVie Ms. Kathleen Commers, Pfizer Mr. Joan Van Loon, IBM Belgium mission
The Innovative Healthcare Committee aims to be a reliable and effective partner to all healthcare stakeholders, while striving for solutions empowering the individual, and adding a strategic and cross-industry perspective to healthcare discussions in Belgium.
The Innovative Healthcare Committee (IHC) is a cross-industry platform where proposals to build the appropriate healthcare ecosystem for tomorrow’s citizen are developed. The Committee goes beyond a silo approach to health and is at the forefront of the healthcare revolution. In 2017, the Committee worked on finalizing its position paper on Real World Data (RWD), which is key in securing an innovative Belgian healthcare landscape for the future. The paper focuses on how swift take-up of RWD in the Belgian healthcare system can lead to a more innovative, increasingly patient-centered and more sustainable healthcare ecosystem. This year, the Committee hopes to continue adding to its crossindustry membership and build further on its relations with key stakeholders. The elaboration of the RWD project will be the central thread in the coming year and in a series of events. The IHC welcomed Olivia Natens as the new Chair, and Benjamin Baelus and Kathleen Commers joined the Committee leadership as Vice-Chairs, together with Joan Van Loon, who was re-elected. Subcommittees and Taskforces Projects Taskforce • Events Taskforce
26
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
LEGAL & TAXATION
LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE chair
Mr. Luc Dhont, Procter & Gamble Services Company vice-chairs
Mr. Werner Heyvaert, Jones Day Mr. Dirk Ceulemans, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical mission
The Legal & Taxation Committee is responsible for monitoring significant tax and legal developments in Belgium (and, subsidiarily, in the EU, the OECD and the US) and attempting to constructively influence legislative and administrative decisions in order to promote the interests of the American and international business community in Belgium.
The Legal & Taxation Committee and its Taskforces have been extremely active in a year when many tax measures have been proposed at the Belgian, European and international level which impact the cost of doing business in Belgium. With its Tax Horizon 2020 open letter and other position papers, the committee highlighted the urgency of reforming Belgium’s corporate taxation system. Later on, it suggested improvements regarding pending government proposals and, while it looked like nothing would be offered for large companies, the Committee continued to push for this tax reform through regular interaction with the Cabinet and other stakeholders, culminating in the Summer Agreement. The Tax Horizon 2020 Taskforce led the way in formulating and advocating AmCham Belgium’s response to the Summer Agreement, with a position paper supporting the government on having taken the first steps on the journey of fundamental tax reform while pointing out the challenges of implementing measures such as the Cash Tax for Audit Adjustment which could negatively impact relations between companies and tax inspectors. AmCham Belgium members’ concerns about the impact on businesses of the initially proposed actions detailed in the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) framework led to the drafting of position papers on Multilateral Convention (January), Transfer Pricing (April) and Country-by-Country Reporting (July). These papers were discussed with key officials.
JANUARY 17
New Year Reception with Johan Van Overtveldt,
KBC Bank
The Committee also responded to the European Commission’s proposal to revive the Common (Consolidated) Corporate Tax Base draft Directive by preparing a discussion paper summarizing concerns about the negative impact the directive may have on smaller EU Member States. In July, a position paper on the interest deduction limitation proposal in the EU’s Anti-Tax Avoidance Package was released drawing the government’s attention to the need to take this into account when finalizing their corporate tax reforms. The newly (re)elected leadership team is committed to continuing the Committee’s work in partnership with tax officials and government members with the aim of putting Belgium firmly on the map as a good place to do business and invest. Subcommittees Employee Taxation Subcommittee • Indirect Tax Subcommittee • Legal Subcommittee • Regional Tax Subcommittee • SME Subcommittee • Tax Horizon 2025 Subcommittee AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
27
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE chair
Mr. Dave Deruytter, ING Belgium vice-chairs
Ms. Sandrine Agie, Whyte Corporate Affairs Mr. Matteo Pederzoli, MCI Benelux mission
The Membership Committee’s overall mission is to recruit and retain members for AmCham Belgium.
The Membership Committee continued to work on improving the membership experience and the Chamber's service offering for the different membership categories. The Membership Committee worked on the Chamber’s value proposition and guided the Chamber towards new ways to engage with current and prospective members. Among others, the Chamber started organizing webinars, in order to reach people lacking the time or located too far to physically join our events and still give them access to some of our knowledge-sharing activities. The Committee also provided valuable input on some major campaigns undertaken this year, particularly in the effort to attract small US affiliates, and was involved in a Taskforce examining what the Chamber could do for SMEs. Members of the Committee are very active in promoting the Chamber, be it in person, at our events or through their professional meetings, or online, by actively sharing and promoting our communications with their network. The Committee is also taking the opportunity to re-evaluate the current way of doing things and look into new ways of involving companies in AmCham Belgium, which will be further developed in 2018. Dave Deruytter, Sandrine Agie and Matteo Pederzoli were re-elected as Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Committee, thus extending their long-standing involvement.
2017 Group Patron
11
Patron
45
Sustaining
123
Regular
175
Grand Total*
456
*Includes Honorary and Group Members
MARCH 9
Brexit: Opportunities and Challenges for Belgium, AG Insurance Auditorium
28
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
NOMINATIONS
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE chair
Mr. Joost Maes, Egon Zehnder mission
The Nominations Committee is responsible for presenting candidates to join the Board of Directors for election to the membership at the Annual General Meeting. It also proposes the Officers for election by the Board.
This Committee is constituted every year by the Board of Directors when it meets after the Annual General Meeting (AGM). In 2017, the Committee was chaired by Joost Maes (Egon Zehnder) and included the following members: Philip Alliet (Aon), Philippe Lacroix (Manpower), Lisa Salas (DXC Technology) and Roland Teixeira de Mattos (GE). At the AGM in March 2017, the membership approved the resignation of three Board members during term, the election of eight new members and the re-election of 15 members, each for a term of two years. During the year, candidates put forward by the Nominations Committee can be approved to join the Board as Advisors. Such Advisors are invited to attend any Board meeting but do not have the right to vote until their election to the Board is voted on by the membership at the next AGM. One member was co-opted as a Board Advisor in 2017, listed below. The Nominations Committee is also concerned with the Chamber’s leadership. To fill two leadership vacancies which opened as a result of changes in the Board’s composition, the Committee proposed Roland Teixeira de Mattos, in January 2017, and Philip Alliet, in November 2017, as Vice-Presidents, both of whom were elected unanimously by their fellow Board members. Officers serve for a term of one year, renewable. At the end of 2017, the Board of Directors comprised 24 Directors and one Advisor. Advisors: • Stef Heylen, Janssen Pharmaceutica
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
29
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE chair
Ms. Eléonore Mullier, Steptoe & Johnson LLP vice-chairs
Mr. Steven Peeters, Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick Ms. Astrid Ruts, Cargill mission
The Young Professionals Committee's role is to stimulate and optimize the dialogue between the younger professionals (~18-35) and the US-Belgian business community in Belgium.
The Young Professionals Committee is actively involved in stimulating the dialogue between ambitious young professionals and the US-Belgian business community. The Committee again organized numerous creative and impactful events in 2017: Five Young Professionals @ Noon luncheons took place with the heads of influential companies such as McKinsey & Company, 3M, Aon, Jones Day and UPS. Close to a 100 young professionals took part in these intimate luncheons to network and benefit from the experience of today’s top leaders. In June, the popular Leaders of Today & Tomorrow Speed Networking event took place where young professionals had the opportunity to speed network two on one with twelve executives from leading companies such as Allnex, 3M, Deloitte, UPS, Dow Corning, Esterline, KPMG, Odgers Berndtson and Aramark. Aiming to inspire and help young professionals develop their career and their networks, the Committee hosted guest speakers from the European Women’s Lobby and The Bank of New York Mellon during their meetings, organized a visit to an exhibition at BOZAR and group dinners, and participated in a Charity Pub Quiz for Serve the City to round off the year. In November, Eléonore Mullier was elected as Chair, previously having served as Vice-Chair of the Committee for two years, and Steven Peeters and Astrid Ruts as Vice-Chairs. Subcommittees Membership Subcommittee • PR & Communications Subcommittee • Social Subcommittee • Strategic Planning Subcommittee
NOVEMBER 28
Young Professionals @ Noon – UPS,
UPS Europe BVBA/SPRL 30
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY 17
New Year Reception with Johan Van Overtveldt, KBC Bank The Minister highlighted in his keynote speech the need for the Government to get its priorities straight, and focus on doing the right things. Drawing from his recent visit to London, and conversations he had with Belgian and British entrepreneurs based there, the Minister re-emphasized the urgency to lower Belgium’s nominal corporate taxation rate.
FEBRUARY 10
Young Professionals @ Noon with Ruben Verhoeven – McKinsey, McKinsey & Company
MARCH 9
FEBRUARY 20
Women in Finance - Laura Ahto, Brussels Marriott Hotel
Brexit: Opportunities and Challenges for Belgium, AG Insurance Auditorium
MARCH 9
Annual General Meeting,
AG Insurance Auditorium
On June 23, 2016, British voters chose to leave the European Union. Count Paul Buysse explained how the Brexit negotiations will be challenging and will likely cause much institutional and economic uncertainty. The challenge ahead for the Government is to safeguard the benefits political and economic European integration have brought to Belgium and to limit as much as possible the negative impact of Brexit on Belgian industry.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
31
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MARCH 15
Farewell Cocktail for Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer, Jones Day MARCH 23
Young Professionals @ Noon with Marina FernhoutMollemans - 3M, 3M Belgium
MARCH 24
Exclusive Luncheon with Ambassador Wouters, Linklaters LLP MARCH 28
Corporate Real Estate Breakfast, CBRE NV/SA
APRIL 18
Lunch & Learn: Blockchain, ING Cultural Center 32
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL 25
Meet the Members Showcasing Reception, Orega Brussels
APRIL 27
Company Visit to Dow Corning, Dow Corning Europe This eye-opening visit allowed the participants to discover all the different applications of silicones: from beauty products to the Burj Khalifa or even car headlights, this polymer can be used in various forms – rigid, flexible rubber, grease, powder or even liquid – and is resistant to extreme temperatures, age, sunlight and chemicals.
MAY 3
Fintech in Belgium: Bridging Technologies and Connecting the Digital Dots, Euroclear NV/SA
MAY 9
What Can We Expect from the New US Administration, Antwerp International School VZW
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
33
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MAY 10
Exclusive Reception in honor of American Conductor Hugh Wolff, US Ambassador’s Residence
MAY 11
Young Professionals @ Noon with Philip Alliet – Aon, Aon Hewitt (Aon Belgium BVBA) MAY 15
Company Visit to Brussels Airport,
Brussels Airport Company
MAY 18
Women in Pharma - Tineke Van hooland,
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brussels 34
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MAY 31
Lunch & Learn: R&D Incentives, Bird & Bird LLP
JUNE 7
JUNE 13
Lunch & Learn: GDPR, Baker McKenzie
European Headquarters meetup, ING Belgium NV/SA
JUNE 12
Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Speed Networking, Vlerick Business School
As international companies re-evaluate their corporate footprints, Belgium has the opportunity to anchor existing and attract new regional headquarters (RHQs). Our new report, launched in the context of the European Headquarters meetup, shows that not only are RHQs an important source of direct and indirect employment, but the location of these decision centers also has a significant influence on subsequent investment decisions.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
35
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
JUNE 29
Annual Dinner with Jan Jambon, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel “I have to thank the American Chamber of Commerce for the initiative you undertook a year ago. It helped a lot. A lot.” said Minister Jan Jambon referring to our #Yes2Belgium campaign launched in 2016. According to the Minister, Belgium’s small and open economy is gaining from the overall economic improvement: employment figures are at an all-time high, unemployment is at its lowest in fifteen years, and the confidence of entrepreneurs and consumers is growing. With parliamentary elections coming up in 2019, the Minister hopes to spend the next two years finalizing several reform packages, focusing not only on security but also on structural socio-economic reforms.
JULY 5
Young Professionals @ Noon with Howard Liebman - Jones Day, Jones Day
36
SEPTEMBER 12
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
Brexit: What Will it Mean for Belgian Exports to the UK, FTI Consulting
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
OCTOBER 3
Gender Agenda in the Age of Digital Disruption, co-organized with Citi, US Ambassador’s Residence
SEPTEMBER 26
Luncheon with Minister Philippe Muyters, De Jachthoorn
OCTOBER 12
Lunch & Learn: Effective Compensation,
Claeys & Engels
SEPTEMBER 28
Launch of 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, Hotel Metropole
AmCham Belgium calls for a transformation of public governance and policy in its 2017 Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, released on September 28. This publication contains recommendations in four key policy areas for Belgium to attract investment, accelerate economic growth and create employment. OCTOBER 24
Lunch & Learn: Cyber Security, Deloitte Belgium While emerging technologies offer tremendous opportunities, they raise new challenges and present great risks. Deloitte’s experts shared their insights on some of the main technologies currently being used and some of their vulnerabilities. AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
37
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 9
What European Companies Need to Know about US Sanctions, Export Controls, and Anti-Corruption Compliance, co-organized with Kelley Drye, Science 14
NOVEMBER 24
Thanksgiving Walking Dinner, US Ambassador’s Residence
38
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 28
Young Professionals @ Noon with Fernando Falcón Romero – UPS,
UPS Europe BVBA/SPRL
DECEMBER 13
Holiday Gala with the American Club of Brussels, Hotel Metropole “American companies have been working here, investing in this country, and contributing to the Belgian economy for many, many years”, Matthew Lussenhop, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., said, stressing the strong connection through deep and long-term investments between the US and Belgium. AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
39
OUR MEMBERS
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2018 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
41
For the full member listing, order a print copy of the 2018 AmCham Yearbook or contact us for customized lists.
Keep up with our latest news on amcham.be/blog
Keep up with our latest news on amcham.be/blog
ďŒ‡
Consult our upcoming events on www.amcham.be/events
Visit us at www.amcham.be or follow us on Interested in advertising in the next Yearbook? Contact Corianne Oosterbaan at coosterbaan@amcham.be.