Deloitte Belgium partners elect Kathleen De Brabander as Chair

Brussels, 26 May 2026

Stepping into the new Deloitte EMEA firm, Deloitte Belgium today announces the election of Kathleen De Brabander as its new Chair, with a four-year mandate beginning 1 June 2026. Following the firm’s partners’ vote for the new Chair, and the re-election of CEO Rolf Driesen for a second term, Rolf has appointed a new Executive Committee (ExCo) to work alongside him. This new leadership team will guide the firm through its next phase of growth and its integration into the newly formed Deloitte EMEA, which will officially launch on 1 June 2026.

The new EMEA regional structure will enable Deloitte practices across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, in providing ever more seamless cross-border collaboration and client service. As the new Chair of Deloitte Belgium, Kathleen De Brabander will also immediately join the Deloitte EMEA Board, ensuring Belgium’s strategic position within the new organisation from the outset. Kathleen De Brabander succeeds Nikolaas Tahon, who has served as Chair for the past six years.

“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of the leading professional service firm in Belgium and I have experienced in this role more than ever the innovative and transformative power of our inclusive and multi-disciplinary Partnership,” says Nikolaas Tahon, outgoing Chair of Deloitte Belgium. “Kathleen’s strategic vision, deep understanding of our business, and commitment to our people and values make her the ideal leader to guide our Partnership into the exciting new chapter on which we have embarked by forming Deloitte EMEA as one of the founding practices within Deloitte. I have full confidence that under Rolf’s continued leadership, Deloitte Belgium will continue to thrive and make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, and society.” 

A new leadership team for a new era

Kathleen De Brabander brings 30 years of experience to the role, most recently serving as the firm's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Executive Committee member, and audit partner. Her leadership will be pivotal in navigating the evolving market landscape and steering the firm towards its 2030 strategic priorities. 

“I am honoured by the trust the partners have placed in me and in the members of the Supervisory Board with whom I will be working closely. As the first female Chair of our Belgian firm, I am particularly conscious of the responsibility it carries and the powerful message it sends," comments Kathleen De Brabander, incoming Chair of Deloitte Belgium.  

"It is a testament to Deloitte's genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and my ambition is to build on this legacy by creating an environment where our diverse talent can excel—not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is a strategic imperative that drives innovation and delivers better outcomes.

Together with Rolf and the new Executive Committee, we will lead with purpose through a period of transformation, guided by the high degree of entrepreneurship and stewardship that defines our Partnership. We recognise that we are entrusted with the legacy built by generations of partners and people, and our responsibility is to pass the torch to the next one, always improving what we've inherited for those who follow. 

Our 2030 ambition is to strengthen our strong local market position while embarking on the EMEA journey, consolidating and growing our footprint within the region, and ensure we futureproof our business in an increasingly complex landscape. We will foster collaboration and entrepreneurship, and lead with transparency and trust, embedding our values in how we operate and serve. Together, we will ensure Deloitte Belgium continues to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and our people."

Continuity and renewal to drive strategic ambitions

The re-election of Rolf Driesen as CEO provides continuity, ensuring stability and a continued focus on the firm’s strategic direction. He will lead a renewed Executive Committee composed of a mix of experienced and new leaders from across Deloitte’s businesses. 

“I am delighted to continue leading this fantastic firm and to welcome Kathleen as our new Chair. I want to sincerely thank Nikolaas Tahon for his contributions to our firm as partner, managing partner of our Accountancy Business and as Chair - and even more so as a true compagnon-de-route over these past years. In a fast-changing world, a strong tie between CEO and Chair is an enormous advantage. With Kathleen in this role, we can continue in the same spirit.

Kathleen’s appointment is an inspiring milestone for our firm, underscoring our belief that diverse leadership teams are stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to serve our clients. I am proud to lead the new Executive Committee that reflects this commitment. I look forward to working closely with Kathleen and the Supervisory Board to champion an inclusive culture at every level of our organisation as we steer the firm into the new Deloitte EMEA era, creating lasting value for our clients and our people,” concludes Rolf Driesen, CEO of Deloitte Belgium.

The new leadership team will officially begin their term on 1 June 2026, focusing on strengthening the firm’s market leadership, investing in talent and innovation, and successfully guiding Deloitte Belgium in Deloitte EMEA.

Deloitte Executive Committee effective 1 June 2026:

• Rolf Driesen: Chief Executive Officer
• Joël Brehmen: Risk & Reputation Leader
• Manu Brehmen: Managing Partner Deloitte Private
• Eric Callewaert: Managing Partner Consulting & Advisory
• Patrick De Vylder: Chief Operating Officer 
• Annelies Dieusart: Managing Partner Tax & Legal
• Michele Gabriël: Chief Strategy Officer
• Ine Nuyts: Chief Financial Officer
• Nathalie Vandaele: Managing Partner Growth
• Ben Vandeweyer: Managing Partner Audit & Assurance
• Pieter Van Hoecke: Managing Partner People & Purpose