Six companies are awarded as Platinum Best Managed Company, after having maintained the label for seven consecutive years

Brussels, 30 May 2024 – The Best Managed Companies programme is celebrating its seventh anniversary in Belgium. Each year, the programme recognises the sustained best practice of privately owned companies that demonstrate consistent leadership in their market by translating a clear and aligned strategy, robust and innovative capabilities, and deliberate employee engagement into excellent financial results. This year’s edition is particularly special as it recognises the first-ever 'Platinum’ laureates', featuring companies that have been honoured for their excellence for seven consecutive years since the programme's start. 

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29 Belgian companies receive Best Managed Companies label

Each year, the Best Managed Companies programme, run by Deloitte Private in association with Econopolis and KU Leuven, recognises the business success of Belgian private companies. These companies are assessed against a global framework by a business-led jury based on four key pillars: strategy articulation, capability building, talent and leadership commitment, and financial robustness. The laureates have demonstrated best-practice management, guiding their organisations through market challenges and while prioritising innovative strategies, they have created positive work environments that foster employee growth and retention.

Françoise Chombar, Chairwoman of Melexis, is the president of the Best Managed Companies jury, composed of industry captains. She’s assisted by members of academia and the business community:

• Koenraad Debackere, Professor at KU Leuven and Chair of KBC Group
• Rik Jacob, former CEO of Ardo
• Yves Noël, Chairman of Nomainvest and honorary Chairman of NMC International
• Geert Noels, CEO and Chief Economist Econopolis
• Victoria Vandeputte, CIO at Diversi Foods and Board Member of AvH

This year 29 companies received the Best Managed Companies label, including many familiar names and five newcomers: Aqualex, Eloy, Leonidas, Verhelst Group and Woodstoxx.

Françoise Chombar, Chairwoman of Melexis and Best Managed Companies jury president: “The jury has once again been impressed by the remarkable resilience and flexibility demonstrated by businesses that have successfully navigated the challenging economic landscape. These companies have also embraced sustainable practices in their daily operations, adapting to new challenges as their business models evolve. These laureates have achieved sustained success and are well equipped to continue doing so in the future."

Six Platinum laureates have been in the list from the start

New this year is the introduction of the Platinum laureates in Belgium. Achieving Platinum status signifies that laureates have maintained their Best Managed label for seven consecutive years. These companies have consistently demonstrated leading performance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement. Their resilience and strategic vision have allowed them to thrive amidst changing market conditions, setting a benchmark for business excellence. As Platinum Laureates, they exemplify the highest standards of leadership and serve as role models within the Belgian business community.

“We are proud to reach a milestone in the programme by recognising our very first Platinum laureates, labelled for seven consecutive years. This represents the highest level of business excellence in our programme and the platinum laureates remain part of our Best Managed Companies community” says Bruno Peelaers, Best Managed Companies Programme Leader and Partner Deloitte Private. “All laureates continue to impress us with their strong and sustainable growth, even amidst changing market conditions. They have remained flexible and adaptable, always staying ahead of their competitors. Furthermore, they continue to invest to enhance their operations and remain focussed on their workforce. These companies are also committed to fostering innovation, talent, and diversity, making them true leaders in their industries."

Coaching that makes an impact

The Best Managed Companies programme has been coaching Belgian companies for over seven years, keeping their focus on their ambitious goals and challenging them to deliver sustainable success. Throughout the entire process, the companies benefit from the guidance of a Best Managed Companies coach from Deloitte Private.

Nikolaas Tahon, Chairman Deloitte Belgium: “Over the years, the Best Managed Companies framework and coaching have encouraged our laureates to make bold decisions they might not have otherwise considered. These companies have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-reflection, as our coaches have consistently challenged them to identify opportunities for improvement in critical areas such as diversity and inclusion, process and product innovation, digital and technology transformation and ESG practices.”

Full list of Best Managed Companies laureates 2024

• New laureates: Companies that have been awarded the Best Managed Companies label for the first time.
  
• Requalifying laureates (years 2, 3): Companies that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two or three years.
• Gold laureates (year 4): Companies that have maintained their Best Managed designation for four consecutive years. 
• Requalifying Gold laureates (years 5, 6): Companies that have successfully retained the Best Managed Companies label for five or six consecutive years.
• Platinum laureates (year 7): Companies that have successfully retained the Best Managed Companies label for 7 consecutive years.

List of Best Managed Companies laureates 2024

About Best Managed Companies

In 2017 Deloitte Private launched the Belgium Best Managed Companies programme in collaboration with Econopolis, joined by KU Leuven in 2019. The programme aims to provide guidance and recognition for privately owned and managed Belgian companies that achieve excellent results.

The Best Managed Companies programme is an international label denoting quality and excellence. The programme was developed in 1993 in Canada and has since been rolled out in 46 countries worldwide.

More on info on www.bestmanaged.be