Belgacom appoints new CEO

Dominique Leroy

The Belgian government has appointed the executive vice-president of Belgacom’s consumer business unit, Dominique Leroy, as the telco’s new CEO. 

The move comes after the government, which is the majority owner of Belgacom, ousted previous boss Didier Bellens in November, claiming it had lost confidence in Bellens due to his “repeated criticism” of the authorities.

Leroy takes Belgacom’s top job for a six-year term and takes over from chief financial officer Ray Stewart and Belgacom chairman of the board Stefaan De Clerck, who had been leading the firm on an interim basis following Bellens’ departure.

“Belgacom is a splendid company with talented employees and excellent products and services. The recent market changes pose new challenges for us, but I’m convinced that we have all the assets to meet those successfully and serve our many customers ever better by fulfilling their daily needs for digital products and services. I have great confidence in the future,” said Leroy.

The new CEO joined Belgacom as vice president of sales for the consumer business unit in October 2011 and became executive vice president of the same division in June 2012. Prior to Belgacom, Leroy worked for 24 years at Unilever, latterly as managing director of Unilever Benelux.

Announcing the appointment, Belgacom said in a statement: “Chairman Stefaan De Clerck is convinced that under Dominique Leroy’s leadership, Belgacom will be able to meet the challenges appearing on the horizon. She can rely on the support of the Belgacom team, assured that it will collaborate fully on this important task.”