Government reaches consensus on Belgacom CEO

The sudden and unplanned departure of Bellens left Belgacom – which is still state-controlled, with the government holding 50% of the shares plus one – somewhat rudderless, coinciding with the arrival of brand-new chair Stefaan De Clerck. US-based headhunters Russell Reynolds were brought in immediately, and Leroy's name was mentioned from the start as a potential successor.

Leroy (pictured) is French speaking (but bilingual), while De Clerck is Dutch speaking, which appealed to the government in terms of balance. Leroy is also not tied to any political party, in contrast to Bellens, who was emphatically of the French-speaking socialists (PS) of prime minister Elio Di Rupo and government enterprises minister Jean-Pascal Labille.

Previous to Belgacom, Leroy spent 24 years at Unilever, working in marketing, finance and customer development before becoming managing director of Unilever Benelux. At present she sits on the boards of Belgacom subsidiaries Tango and Scarlet, as well as of Lotus Bakeries.

Leroy’s name was one of five presented to the ministers by Russell Reynolds. Yesterday Labille stressed that the agreement reached was not a definitive nomination. When the decision has been officially taken, the government will present its proposal to the board of Belgacom, which will make the final decision.

Also yesterday, ministers had the first opportunity to meet with Johnny Thijs, the outgoing CEO of Bpost, who declined to renew his mandate following a clash with Labille over his future salary. Thijs remains in the post until a replacement can be found.

Since his resignation, members of the government from other parties have criticised Labille’s position in trying to restrict Thijs to a salary of €650,000, about half of what he earned last year.