Cordeel Group begins a new chapter with Pascale Van Damme as CEO
Cordeel Group, the Belgian construction company that has grown into a European one-stop shop with various specialized subsidiaries, is strengthening its management team with two experienced leaders from the (inter)national business world: Pascale Van Damme and Kris Van Haverbeke. Building on their extensive experience, Van Damme and Van Haverbeke will take on the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Growth Officer, respectively, working alongside the current Executive Committee and the Board of Directors to continue outlining the sustainable growth strategy for Cordeel Group. Current CEO Filip Cordeel will remain Chairman of the Board and will focus more on the long-term vision, with a strong emphasis on construction activities, innovation, and sustainability.
Acceleration and Innovation
The Cordeel Group is currently at a crossroads in its journey toward further professionalization and sustainable growth.
“In recent years, we have built a strong foundation together, with the right people in the right positions within our divisions, companies, and the Group. We are now ready for the next step. This requires leadership that seamlessly combines acceleration and innovation with the strength of our family DNA,” explains outgoing CEO Filip Cordeel. “Pascale's experience with international structures and change management, as well as her deep knowledge of technology and data, will be essential in further strengthening our strategic pillars and developing the next phase of Cordeel Group.”
“Real progress starts with people. Leadership is not just about strategy and innovation; it’s mainly about strengthening a culture in which people are motivated, involved, and proud of what they build together. Cordeel Group is already actively working on this process, driven by craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” says newly appointed CEO Pascale Van Damme. “I am excited to join a company that wants to push boundaries, and with my experience in digital transformation and team building, I look forward to enhancing and accelerating the existing dynamics. Filip and the team have laid out a clear vision for the future. There are enormous opportunities, and I look forward to contributing my added value. In an industry facing great challenges, Cordeel Group wants to take even more responsibility and build a sustainable future—not just for today, but for future generations.”
Rich Experience
Pascale Van Damme has had an impressive 20-year career at Dell Technologies, where she held roles such as Managing Director for Belgium-Luxembourg and Vice President for EMEA VMware. Additionally, she currently serves as President of the Belgian Football Association (KBVB) and Chair of Digital Industries at Agoria. Through these roles, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh international perspective. Her in-depth knowledge of corporate structures, combined with strategic insight and strong, inclusive leadership, will be instrumental in the further growth and professionalization of Cordeel Group. After a three-month transition period starting on February 12, in which she will work closely with outgoing CEO Filip Cordeel, she will officially take over in May.
Kris Van Haverbeke brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, including his role as EMEA VMware Director of Strategy & Business Acceleration at Dell Technologies. His expertise in business development, process optimization, and implementing go-to-market strategies will help Cordeel Group seize new growth opportunities and further expand strategic partnerships.
From Carpentry to One of the Largest Construction Groups in Belgium
Founded in 1934 by forefather Ghislain Cordeel as a carpentry workshop, Cordeel Group has grown over the years into one of Belgium's largest construction groups, now also active on a European scale. Still an independent player, the family business today consists of an innovative ecosystem of various subsidiaries, alliances, and joint ventures with diverse areas of expertise.
The current ambition is clear: Cordeel Group aims to be a company that not only builds physical projects but also creates a future where sustainability and speed go hand in hand. For example, the organization is heavily investing in industrial hemp for the remediation of contaminated soils, with the hemp plants later used for the development of bio-based building materials. Additionally, the company is developing site batteries as an alternative to often oversized generators and the very first fluor-, PFAS-, and PFOS-free fire extinguishers with biodegradable liquids. Furthermore, Cordeel is working on other initiatives such as the thermal cleaning of contaminated soils using microwave technology instead of processing them in natural gas-powered incinerators, and energy hills. Through these innovations, Cordeel Group aims to contribute to a CO2-neutral and circular construction sector in Europe.
About Cordeel Group
Cordeel Group is a fully independent family business with over 1,800 employees and a turnover of 940 million euros.
Cordeel Group is much more than a construction company. It is the one-stop partner for the entire construction process. The companies operating under the Cordeel Group banner are highly skilled in their specialization. With this broad expertise, Cordeel Group manages the complete construction journey from design to delivery and maintenance.
Together, we are working on sustainable and future-proof solutions for the complex challenges of our clients.
