2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
Collaboration. Now that’s what we call a medical breakthrough. At Janssen, we seek answers to some of the toughest questions in medicine. We believe nothing is more powerful than collaboration. There should not be barriers in the pursuit of groundbreaking treatments. Collaboration goes beyond new treatments. From early discovery to access and distribution, we seek partners who want the same things we do: better outcomes for our patients. Our mission drives us. Our patients inspire us. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. www.janssenbelgium.be
Janssen Pharmaceutica NV Turnhoutseweg 30 B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
CONTENTS
CONTENTS LETTER FROM US AMBASSADOR 2 LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE 3 ABOUT US 4 AMCHAM IN NUMBERS 5 WHO WE ARE 6 THE SECRETARIAT 7 OUR COMMITTEES 8 COMMITTEE REPORTS 9 2015, YEAR IN REVIEW 19 IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM 24 OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS 26 OUR GOLD SPONSORS 27 THE COMPANY LISTING 29 THE AMCHAM NETWORK 187
EDITEUR RESPONSABLE/ VERANTWOORDELIJKE UITGEVER Daniel Pyster, External Affairs Director Additional copies of the AmCham Yearbook may be obtained at the price of €49 for members and €99 for non-members. Information about our member companies is also available on our website. This listing is not for reproduction, either in part or in full. copyright © 2016 american chamber of commerce in belgium
EDITOR Nefeli Van Hege, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
ADVERTISING Matthieu Woodhouse, Membership & Business Development Coordinator 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 - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
1
LETTER FROM US AMBASSADOR
LETTER FROM US AMBASSADOR I am delighted to introduce AmCham Belgium’s 2016 Yearbook. The coming year presents new opportunities for advancing Belgium’s position as a leading trade and investment partner of the United States.
Denise Campbell Bauer US Ambassador to Belgium
Negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement are proceeding steadily, and both the US Embassy and AmCham Belgium – along with other US missions and American Chambers throughout Europe – will continue to emphasize the immense value that people on both sides of the Atlantic will realize from a comprehensive agreement. The successful conclusion of the COP-21 negotiations also points the way to new opportunities to build on the strengths of Belgium and the United States in renewable energy. In 2015, I had the pleasure of leading a Belgian delegation to the second SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. I am now looking forward to the third Summit this coming June. These flagship events are just one part of a global program to demonstrate the benefits of investing in the United States. The trip also complements the efforts of AmCham and Belgium's investment promotion offices to publicize Belgium’s value as a partner and base for American business in Europe. The growth of radicalism and the international refugee crisis point to the importance of integrating diverse communities into our societies. I was pleased that AmCham Belgium chose to highlight Community Impact for its most recent publication, reinforcing the fact that American companies lead the way in building strong communities. I look forward to working with companies to continue to identify innovative ways to further these efforts. AmCham Belgium does an outstanding job communicating and protecting the interests of American companies in Belgium, and demonstrating the value that the American business community brings to Belgium. I am grateful for the energy and dedication of the employees and members who make AmCham a valued partner for our embassy team. Sincerely,
Denise Campbell Bauer Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer
2
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE We are pleased to launch our new AmCham Yearbook, which replaces the ‘Annual Directory’ brand after more than 30 years of publication. The Yearbook maintains the company listing you have come to rely upon, while significantly expanding the editorial content. We hope you will appreciate the change. And of course, your feedback is always welcome.
Howard Liebman President
Marcel Claes Chief Executive
Howard, the longstanding Chair of our Legal & Taxation Committee, was elected President of the Chamber in April 2015, succeeding Scott Beardsley. We would like to thank Scott for his support as President of the Chamber for more than six years and wish him great success as Dean of the Darden School of Business. In October, Committee leadership positions also came up for renewal. Our Committees are the beating heart of the Chamber, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteer leaders, past and present, for their engagement. In addition to providing our members with abundant networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, we continue to advance the policy priorities of the US-Belgian business community. Indeed, the Chamber heartily welcomes all of the efforts being made by the current Belgian federal and regional governments to improve Belgium’s competitiveness – and, in particular, the reduction of employer social security contributions, in line with our recommendation. As our members express interests in a wide variety of different policy topics, we continue to innovate by creating new discussion forums, such as the ‘Business @ Breakfast’ series, as well as Committees, notably, our new Innovative Healthcare Committee (IHC). The IHC, in particular, is a unique cross-sector platform which aims to become a thought leader on the future of healthcare in Belgium.
Marcel Claes, Chief Executive
Last year, the Chamber undertook an ambitious research project to highlight the positive contribution made by US companies in Belgium to the local communities in which they operate. The final report was well-received by our members and other stakeholders, and we will therefore continue to share this message. The Chamber is already hard at work preparing the next edition of our Priorities for a Prosperous Belgium, and we encourage all members to give their input.
Howard Liebman, President
Thank you once again to our member companies, Strategic Sponsors, Committee members and Secretariat staff for their commitment to AmCham Belgium and to the development of the US-Belgian business community. AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
3
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 more than 500 members who together strive for a more competitive and prosperous Belgium. AmCham Belgium is an independent nonprofit 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 labor costs, corporate taxation, R&D and innovation, energy, mobility, the skills gap 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
4
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
AMCHAM IN NUMBERS
MEMBER COMPANIES
AMCHAM IN NUMBERS
500+ 68 1700+ 39 76 204+ 9 66% REGULAR 23% SUSTAINING 11% PATRON
59% US 34% BELGIUM 7% OTHER
47% LARGE 41% SMALL 12% MEDIUM
YEARS OF SERVING BUSINESS IN BELGIUM
EVENTS
EVENT PARTICIPANTS
SEE MORE ON PAGE 19 2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
5
WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Liebman, President
Philip Alliet, CEO Belux, Aon Belgium BVBA/SPRL
Patricia Massetti, Vice-President
Frank Aranzana, CEO, Allnex Belgium
Joost Van Roost, Vice-President
Michael Beal, General Manager Belux, Microsoft NV/SA
John Largent, Treasurer
Eddy Bonne, Managing Partner, Romulus NV/SA
Paul Van Hooghten, Secretary
Olivier Chapelle, CEO, Recticel Marcel Claes, Chief Executive, AmCham Belgium
HONORARY DIRECTORS Denise Campbell Bauer, US Ambassador to Belgium Douglas E. Lute, US Ambassador to NATO Anthony Luzzatto Gardner, US Ambassador to the European Union
Karel De Baere, Chairman, PwC Belgium Wim Eraly, Managing Director Corporate Banking Belgium, KBC Group NV/SA Jean Eylenbosch, Vice President European Government Relations, Coca-Cola Enterprises Belgium Ingrid Gonnissen, Country General Manager Belux, Xerox Philippe Lacroix, General Manager, Manpower Belgium NV/SA John Largent, Chairman, Magic Monkey Gottfried Leibbrandt, CEO, SWIFT Howard Liebman, Partner, Jones Day
STATUTORY AUDITOR
Joost Maes, Managing Partner, Egon Zehnder
KPMG, represented by Patricia Leleu
Romaney O'Malley, General Manager AIG Belgium and Luxembourg, AIG Europe Limited Patricia Massetti, Managing Director, MSD Belgium Cindy Miller, President, UPS Europe Jacques Platieau, Vice-President, Country General Manager IBM Belgium Luxembourg, IBM Belgium BVBA/SPRL John Porter, CEO & General Manager, Telenet Roland Teixeira de Mattos, Country Executive Benelux, GE - General Electric Pascale Van Damme, Managing Director Belux, Dell Cis Van Doninck, Vice-President Finance Food Ingredients & Systems/General Manager Belgium, Cargill Europe Paul Van Hooghten, Head of Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions, Linklaters LLP Rik Vanpeteghem, Regional Managing Director EMEA, Deloitte Belgium Joost Van Roost, President Benelux, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BOARD ADVISORS Laura Ahto, CEO, The Bank of New York Mellon NV/SA Tom Heyman, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV
6
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
THE SECRETARIAT
THE SECRETARIAT OUR SECRETARIAT Marcel Claes, Chief Executive mclaes@amcham.be Sheila Rosseau, Senior Director srosseau@amcham.be Sue Wheeler, Policy, Finance & Administration Director swheeler@amcham.be
Marcel Claes Sheila Rosseau
Jean-Baptiste Deroulez, Office Manager jbderoulez@amcham.be Corianne Oosterbaan, Public Affairs Assistant coosterbaan@amcham.be Daniel Pyster, External Affairs Director dpyster@amcham.be
Sue Wheeler Jean-Baptiste Deroulez
Dawn Smith, Events Manager dsmith@amcham.be Christophe Van Elewyck, Policy Coordinator cvanelewyck@amcham.be Nefeli Van Hege, Communications & Marketing Coordinator nvanhege@amcham.be
Corianne Oosterbaan Daniel Pyster
Matthieu Woodhouse, Membership & Business Development Coordinator mwoodhouse@amcham.be HONORARY MEMBERS Mark Storella, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy James M. Fluker, Commercial Counselor, US Embassy
Dawn Smith
Michele Dastin-Van Rijn, Political-Economic Affairs Counselor, US Embassy Christophe Van Elewyck
Nefeli Van Hege Matthieu Woodhouse
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
7
OUR COMMITTEES
OUR COMMITTEES 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
8
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP • Company visits to Genzyme (Geel) and Pringles (Mechelen) • Lunch with Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE • Emphasis on visual communication, including use of the video • Two new publications GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM • Met with seven newly elected Government officials • Breakfast debate with political party leaders HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE • Lobbying success: recommended reduction of employer social security contributions included in 2015 tax shift • Preparing position papers on immigration, pensions, labor costs INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE • Approved by Board of Directors in May • Began operating in fall LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE • New BEPS and Indirect Tax Taskforces • Tax Horizon 2020 initiative MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE • 44 new members, ending the year with 511 • Continued development of new CRM system and website NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE • Proposed Howard Liebman, of Jones Day, as President and Patricia Massetti, of MSD, as Vice-President of AmCham Belgium • Nominated two new candidates to join the Board YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE • Six Young Professionals @ Noon luncheons • Third edition of Mentorship Program • Networking Night with 12 international and local Chambers of Commerce
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
9
ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP
ANTWERP CHAPTER STEERING GROUP chair Mr. Joost Van Roost, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical vice-chair Mr. Geert Verhaeghe, DuPont de Nemours (Belgium) mission The Antwerp Chapter's aim is to improve business and investment opportunities for the large USBelgian 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 Antwerp area and to provide these companies with a regular and varied program of networking and knowledgesharing opportunities. Chaired by Joost Van Roost of ExxonMobil, it is composed of senior business leaders from the region and supported by the AmCham Belgium Secretariat. During 2015, the Antwerp Chapter organized three successful events in the region. In March, we held a luncheon at the delightful Kasteel Tivoli with Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois, who shared his insights into the Flemish Government’s plans to attract and retain foreign investment in the region. In April, we held an informative company visit to Genzyme’s manufacturing facilities in Geel, followed in September by a company visit to the Pringles Plant in Mechelen. Both these company visits were attended by local and regional politicians who were invited in order to engage with the business community and recognize its positive impact on the local economy. Events in the pipeline for 2016 include a Dinner with Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters and a company visit to the MSD manufacturing and production site in Heist-op-den Berg. More company visits and other content-focused events in the region are in the planning.
march 9 Lunch with Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois, Kasteel Tivoli
10
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE chair Ms. Kara Condon, FTI Consulting vice-chairs Ms. Chloé Dungelhoeff, Interel Mr. Jeroen Langerock, Coca-Cola Services mission The Communications Committee aims to position AmCham Belgium as the authoritative voice of US businesses in Belgium
As communication platforms and practices continue to evolve with technology, the Communications Committee plays an important advisory role. Over the past year, the Committee has, for example, encouraged the Chamber to place renewed emphasis on visual communication, particularly for use on social media. This includes not only the increased use of infographics but also videos. Early highlights include the ‘year in review’ video presented at the 2015 Annual General Meeting and the video introduction of the Chamber’s new President. After 30 years of publishing the Annual Directory – the first edition came out in 1986 – the Communications Committee decided to combine the Directory and Annual Report into the new AmCham Yearbook, which you are now reading. AmCham Connect, the Chamber’s monthly electronic newsletter, also received a facelift last year. With guidance from the Communications Committee, the Chamber introduced two new policy publications in 2015: a leaflet on the government’s progress one year after the May 2014 elections and a new entry in the ‘Importance of US Companies in Belgium’ series focused on local community engagement. The launch of the latter was accompanied by a one-minute animated video.
624 +29% 691 +63% 2244 +27%
In 2015, AmCham Belgium issued three press releases and received a total of 47 media mentions, which is an important indicator of the Chamber’s reputation. To better position itself, the Chamber is leveraging its new technology platforms (CRM, etc.) and exploring the use of paid online advertising. The Communications and Membership Committees held a joint meeting for the first time in September 2015 specifically to discuss the Chamber’s marketing. AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
11
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FORUM chair Mr. Jeroen Langerock, Coca-Cola Services vice-chairs Ms. Anneliese Daelemans, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Ms. Kathleen Swaelen, 3M Belgium 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 year in 2015. In the wake of the Government’s formation, the GRF’s outreach efforts focused on the newly elected political stakeholders. This outreach had a two-fold purpose: to introduce the Chamber and the priorities of the international business community and to become better informed of the Government’s plan in the next legislative period and the areas of interest of the elected officials. This approach proved to be a very successful formula. In addition to facilitating AmCham Belgium’s delegation meetings with key ministers, the GRF met with seven high-level Government representatives, often the responsible Minister him or herself, spanning political parties and the different levels of government. In each instance, the GRF promoted the Chamber’s priorities and recommendations, further discussed by key political party representatives at a breakfast debate in May.
may 19 "Is this Government Business- Friendly?", Brussels Marriott Hotel
In support of other Committee intitiativies and activities, the GRF also kept an eye on the evolving areas of interest or concern for the Chamber. Issues relating to TTIP, energy and the digital agenda were frequently addressed. The latter led to the Chamber presenting key recommendations to Minister De Croo in an interactive session in October.
12
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE chair Ms. Lisa Salas, Hewlett Packard Entreprise vice-chairs Mr. Stefan Nerinckx, Fieldfisher Ms. Sofie Van Huffel, ON Semiconductor Belgium 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 various taskforces discussed important topics such as labor cost, immigration and pensions. Following the Government’s formation, the Committee continued to review the Committee’s position papers in order to adequately respond to the developments within the Government and the concerns of the international business community in Belgium. The Chamber achieved a major lobbying success when the Federal Government agreed the reduction of employer social security contributions from 33 to 25% in its 2015 tax shift, thereby implementing the Chamber’s long-standing recommendation. Best practice sharing continued to be an important component of the Committee’s work in 2015. Specialized HR professionals regularly come to speak and hold interactive discussions on a variety of topics including talent, diversity, HR delivery models and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The HR Committee concluded the year with an end-of-year networking dinner, at which it was joined by the President of the National Labor Council of Belgium, Paul Windey. This meeting focused on Belgium’s labor market and the steps the Government could take to stimulate employment. The Committee is increasingly focusing on talent and skills. It plans to strengthen its contacts with the Belgian Government and with social partners, and is committed to achieve further successes towards the improvement of the Belgian labor market. Subcommittees and Taskforces Harmonized Status Taskforce • Immigration Taskforce • Labor Cost Taskforce • Pensions Taskforce
july 2 Leaders of Today & Tomorrow Speed Networking, Vlerick Business School
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
13
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE chair Mr. Kris Schellens, Biogen Belgium vice-chairs Ms. Kathleen Swaelen, 3M Belgium Mr. Joan Van Loon, IBM mission The IHC aims to be a reliable policy partner to the Belgian governments and the local US Embassy to ensure that new healthcare-related legislation and policies add value to, and benefit, the entire healthcare ecosystem.
On May 21, 2015, the AmCham Belgium Board of Directors approved the creation of a new Committee: the Innovative Healthcare Committee (IHC). The broader mission of the IHC is to be a unique cross-functional body covering the whole health industry in Belgium. Members represent various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical research, ICT, food, consumer goods, finance, insurance or professional services. The Committee will contribute to ongoing legislative and policy discussions by providing Belgian policy-makers, institutions and other relevant stakeholders with the perspective of international companies operating in Belgium. The Committee is already off to a good start. Companies from various sectors have demonstrated their interest and participated in this platform. In December 2015, the Committee had its first meeting with government officials. The initiative was well-received and there is a vision regarding potential collaboration. The Committee was opened to additional interested members as from January 2016. An official launch event will be planned in 2016.
14
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE
LEGAL & TAXATION COMMITTEE chair Mr. Luc Dhont, Procter & Gamble Services Company vice-chairs Mr. Werner Heyvaert, Jones Day Mr. Roel Van Werde, AmCham Belgium mission The Legal and Taxation Committee is responsible for monitoring significant tax and legal developments in Belgium (and, subsidiarily, in the EU) 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 R&D and Innovation Taskforce continues to monitor developments in the area of R&D and is drafting a new Position Paper with recommendations that will ensure Belgium remains an attractive destination for R&D. A Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Taskforce was set up to monitor the developments in national and EU legislation related to the implementation of BEPS. At the same time, it is working with the Luxembourg and Netherlands AmChams to define a common strategy and identify priority areas for action. The Tax Horizon 2020 initiative has been launched with the longer term focus of discussing how Belgium’s corporate tax system should evolve and change in the coming years, including the implementation of new incentives and the improvement of existing regulations and incentives but potentially leading to a fundamental reform of corporate taxation in Belgium. The Indirect Tax Taskforce has been established and is working to identify issues businesses have with indirect tax. They have already noted that aspects of the Union Customs Code, the indirect tax impact of BEPS and digitalization are giving rise to concern. The Taskforce has as its objective the formulation, communication and promotion of ideas to improve the indirect tax landscape in Belgium. The TTIP Taskforce, Expatriate Tax Regime Taskforce and National Interest Deduction (NID) Taskforce remain active and work to ensure Belgium becomes increasingly attractive to US and other international companies based in the country. The Committee continues with its monthly schedule of meetings, including speakers covering a wide range of topics such as the future of corporate taxation and EU tax measures, as well as nontax, purely legal subjects, keeping its members abreast of recent developments in various fields. Subcommittees and Taskforces BEPS Taskforce • Corporate Tax Subcommittee • Expatriate Tax Regime Taskforce • Fairness Tax Taskforce • Indirect Tax Taskforce • Legal Subcommittee • NID Taskforce • R&D and Innovation Taskforce • TTIP Taskforce
january 29 New Year Reception with Johan Van Overtveldt, ING Cultural Center
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
15
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
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 Committee's role is to: • Improve AmCham’s offering for different membership segments • Convert prospective membership from different sources into full memberships at highest possible level • Expand membership reach outside of Brussels • Increase AmCham membership-awareness among member companies’ employees Dave Deruytter, Sandrine Agie and Matteo Pederzoli were re-elected as Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Membership Committee in October 2015. AmCham Belgium’s continuing membership development included the ongoing integration of our new CRM system and improvement of AmCham Belgium’s website. It continues to improve the membership experience and increase the quality of interactions between the Chamber’s existing - as well as potential - members and explore benefits from an increasing participation of political leaders.
2015
2014
Group Patron
11
12
2013 9
Patron
45
45
48
Sustaining
125
125
122
Regular
221
246
265
Grand Total*
511
535
530
*Includes Honorary and Group Members
Company size
Company Nationality
47% Large 41% Small 12% Medium
59% US 34% Belgium 7% Other
march 19 New Member Showcasing Reception, EY Over the course of 2015, AmCham Belgium attracted 44 new members, ending the year with a total of 511 members. We are pleased with the success of the new AmCham website and online processes, also for member applications. Although most members are located in the Brussels area, the Chamber continues to actively recruit members across Belgium and is also pursuing initiatives that will bring extra value to smaller member companies. 16
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE chair Mr. Joost Maes, Egon Zehnder mission The 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 2015, the Committee was chaired by Joost Maes (Egon Zehnder) and included the following members: Olivier Chapelle (Recticel), Karel De Baere (PwC Belgium), Ingrid Gonnissen (Xerox) and Lisa Salas (Hewlett Packard Entreprise). During 2015, the Nominations Committee focused on senior executives, who are US citizens and/or persons representing US companies and aimed to bring more gender diversity among the Board as well as representatives from life sciences and machinery industries. On April 27, the Committee proposed the election of Howard Liebman, of Jones Day, as President of AmCham Belgium to succeed to Scott Beardsley who was appointed new Dean of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Howard Liebman has a deep understanding of the Chamber as he has been an active member for 35 years and has successfully chaired the Legal & Taxation Committee for the last 12 years. At the AGM in March 2015, the membership approved the resignation of three Board members during term, the election of seven new members and the re-election of 11 members, each for a term of two years. After the AGM, two members were coopted as Board Advisors. At the end of 2015, the Board of Directors comprised 26 Directors and two Advisors, Ms. Laura Ahto, CEO, The Bank of New York Mellon and Mr. Tom Heyman, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Janssen Pharmaceutica.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
17
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE chair Mr. Benoît Willems, 3M Belgium vice-chairs Ms. Eleonore Mullier, Steptoe & Johnson LLP Mr. Luigi Sementilli, Whyte Corporate Affairs mission The Young Professionals Committee's role is to stimulate and optimize the dialogue between the younger professionals (~18-35) and the American/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 Young Professionals Committee has been organizing numerous creative and impactful events, notably its famous 'blockbusters': • Six Young Professionals @ Noon luncheons took place with the heads of influential companies at The Hotel, HSBC Belgium, 3M Belgium, ING Belgium, Egon Zehnder and Hewlett Packard Entreprise. 120 young professionals took part in these intimate gatherings to network and benefited from the experience of today’s top leaders. • The annual 'Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Speed Networking Event' took place at the Vlerick Business School. 16 CEOs shared their experience and tips with 32 young professionals in fiveminute rounds in a highly energetic and fun evening. • The third YP networking night - jointly organized with BECI, the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce, and supported by eight other Chambers of Commerce - took place on November 5 and gathered 122 participants from diverse cultures and industries. The event affirmed its position as a ‘don’t miss’ event on the calendar each year. Aiming to inspire and help Young Professionals develop their career, AmCham Belgium launched the third wave of its mentorship program in January 2015, and paired 16 committee members with 16 top executives for a period of one year. The mentorship program was a success, appreciated by all participants throughout this enriching and shared adventure. The Young Professionals Committee looks forward to working on a very successful, inspiring and energetic 2016.
may 5 Young Professionals @ Noon, HSBC 18
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
january 29 New Year Reception with Johan Van Overtveldt, ING Cultural Center
february 9 Company visit to AB InBev, Stella Artois Brewery
march 9 Luncheon with Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois, Kasteel Tivoli AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
19
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
march 12 Annual General Meeting and "Belgium: A New Government, A New Future?" event, BNP Paribas Fortis
april 20 Company Visit to Genzyme, Genzyme Flanders
may 19 "Is this Government BusinessFriendly?", Brussels Marriott Hotel
20
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
march 19 New Member Showcasing Reception, EY
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
june 9 Company Visit to Cargill R&D Center Europe, Cargill R&D Center Europe
june 15 Speed Networking Evening, The Library Europe
june 23 Joint Gala Dinner for US Ambassador Campbell Bauer with the American Club of Brussels, Steigenberger Wiltcher's
july 2 Leaders of Today & Tomorrow Speed Networking, Vlerick Business School
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
21
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
september 14 Company Visit to Pringles A Kellogg Company,
september 8 Crisis Communication: "When the Headline is You" - An interactive workshop by CS&A International, AmCham Belgium
Wimble Manufacturing Belgium
october 14 Mergers & Acquisitions: Integration with the Right Communication workshop by inyourshoes, AmCham Belgium
october 7 Toward a Digital Belgium: Interactive Discussion with Alexander De Croo, Minister for the Digital Agenda, Xerox
october 8 Future Trends Evening with Guy Wollaert, Coca-Cola Services 22
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
2015, YEAR IN REVIEW
november 19 CEO Thanksgiving Walking Dinner, US Ambassador's
november 5 Young Professionals Networking Night,
Residence
BECI - Brussels Enterprises, Commerce and Industry
december 2 Community Impact of US Companies: Public Launch of Report, Linklaters LLP
december 15 Annual Dinner with Didier Reynders,
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
23
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES The majority of community impact projects take place in the Brussels-Capital Region and the Province of Antwerp
26.5 %
ANTWERP
5.8 %
WEST FLANDERS
11.0 %
EAST FLANDERS
29% BRUSSELS
11.6%
FLEMISH BRABANT
7.1%
WALLOON BRABANT
2.6%
HAINAUT
6.4%
ALL OTHER PROVINCES
BREAKDOWN OF PROJECTS ⅓ of community impact projects are linked to the company’s core business
10.4%
2.0
%
OTHER
ARTS & CULTURE
22.8%
DISABILITY
10.9%
ENVIRONMENT
18.7%
16.5%
HEALTH & SPORTS
EDUCATION
18.7%
POVERTY
24
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
IMPORTANCE OF US COMPANIES IN BELGIUM
US companies have been anchored in the Belgian economy for a long time. Over the years, their presence has only increased. In 2014, total US investment in Belgium amounted to $48 billion. The US remains the largest source of foreign direct investment in Belgium – indeed, in 2014, 44 of 198 (22%) 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 140,000 people, which represents 5.4% of total private sector employment in the country. The US Top 50 – the largest US companies in Belgium as measured by employment – directly employed 85,829 people and contributed more than €1.6 billion to the Belgian State in taxes and social security in 2013.
US companies further demonstrate their commitment to Belgium through their deep engagement in local communities. As shown in our 2015 report, 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.
900 US GROUPS EMPLOY MORE THAN
Belgium is also an attractive location for R&D activities. As indicated in our 2014 report, US investment in R&D and innovation in Belgium grew by 550% between 2004 and 2012, reaching a new high of $2.45 billion (€1.86 billion) in 2012, which accounted for approximately one-third of all private sector R&D investment in the country.
140,000 PEOPLE
US INVESTMENT IN R&D AND INNOVATION IN BELGIUM GREW by 550% between 2004 and 2012, which accounted for approximately one-third of all private sector R&D investment in the country. 6 5 4
7.4%
20.6%
19.8%
18.5%
18.5%
36.3%
2008
2009
30.1%
33.4%
3 2 1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2010
2011
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
25
OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS
OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS
Deloitte, www.deloitte.com
Janssen Pharmaceutica, www.janssenbelgium.be
McKinsey & Company, www.mckinsey.com
SWIFT, www.swift.com
26
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
27
OUR GOLD SPONSORS
THE COMPANY LISTING
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BELGIUM - 2016 AMCHAM YEARBOOK
29
A
A
For the full company listing order our printed copy of the 2016 AmCham Yearbook or contact us for customized lists
ďŒ‡
Consult our upcoming events on amcham.be/events
Keep up with our latest news on amcham.be/blog
Visit us at amcham.be or follow us on
Interested in advertising in the next Yearbook? Contact Matthieu Woodhouse at mwoodhouse@amcham.be.
New to Belgium ? Count on ING to offer you expert advice in your language for all your banking and insurance needs, even before you arrive. Call the ING Expat Center on +32 (0)2 464 66 64 ing.be/expats
ING Belgium SA/nv – Bank/Lender – avenue Marnix 24, B-1000 Brussels – Brussels RPM/RPR – VAT BE 0403.200.393 – BIC: BBRUBEBB – IBAN: BE45 3109 1560 2789. Publisher: Inge Ampe –Cours Saint-Michel 60, B-1040 Brussels – 711159E –12/15