Our Leadership

Alain R.H. Brossé

Managing Partner

Alain R.H. Brossé, with over three decades of diverse experience, is known for his strategic prowess in corporate strategy, nurturing startups, and scaling them effectively.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• CEO and Founder of Welkin and Meraki: Successfully bootstrapped and led to an impressive exit within five years, demonstrating his capability in building and scaling a business.
• CCO and Co-Founder of Tribes: Played a pivotal role in achieving unicorn status and navigating successful exits.
• Director of Sales at Thomas Cook: Significantly contributed to the group's EBIT through strategic sales and marketing leadership.

Key Responsibilities and Impact Areas:

• Mentorship: Elevates team expertise through industry wisdom and executive leadership development.
• Strategic Investment: Initiates cornerstone investments, adding significant financial depth and strategic insight.
• Investment Decision-making: Balances strategic foresight with a collaborative approach.

Additional Information:

• Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, English, and German.
• Education: Degrees in Economic Sciences, Corporate Finance, and Venture Finance from respected institutions.

Steven Coppens

Managing Partner

Steven Coppens stands as a pillar of WAD Capital, known for his seasoned expertise in investment leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. His extensive background in business transformation and digital growth strategies has made him a key architect in shaping WAD Capital's strategic vision.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• Partner at Gimv: Over 13 years, Steven honed his expertise in software and digital investments, contributing significantly to the firm's portfolio.
• Co-Founder of Wineissocial and Decovry: Guided both companies from startups to established firms, achieving combined revenues of €15M.

Key Responsibilities and Impact Areas:

• Investment Strategy: Leads WAD Capital's investment initiatives, aligning them with long-term goals.
• Deal Structuring: Expert in structuring complex M&A activities to maximise value creation.
• Stakeholder Relations: Builds and maintains strong relationships with investors and partners.
• Risk Mitigation: Implements strategies to navigate market uncertainties with a balanced approach.

Additional Information:

• Languages: Fluent in Dutch, English, and French.
• Education: Master in Economics from Leuven University and ESC Montpellier.

Christopher Tournis Gamble

Managing Partner

Christopher Tournis Gamble is recognised at WAD Capital for his acumen in technology-driven innovation and strategic investments, contributing significantly to the firm's competitive edge.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• Managing General Partner at Sima Ventures: Achieved a MOIC of 7.5x, reflecting his strategic acumen in realising substantial returns on investments.
• Founder of Zihzo: Focused on building offshore teams and guiding disruptive European ventures, driving their growth and success.

Key Responsibilities and Impact Areas:

• Technology Innovation: Spearheads initiatives in technology-driven innovation and strategic investments.
• Global Strategy: Enhances WAD Capital's competitive edge in the global market.
• Operational Excellence: Drives operational strategies for efficiency and growth.

Additional Information:

• Languages: Fluent in French and English, elementary in Dutch.
• Education: Master's in Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Barbara De Saedeleer

Investment Committee Member

Barbara De Saedeleer is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in finance and strategy. She has made significant contributions to various organisations, leveraging her expertise in corporate banking, strategic investments, and operations management.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• CFO at Omega Pharma: Played a pivotal role in the growth of Omega Pharma from €250 million to €1.3 billion, overseeing significant acquisitions and strategic financial restructuring.
• Chief Investments and Operations Officer at Ghelamco: Led investment and operational strategies, enhancing corporate growth and performance.
• Independent Director: Currently serves as an Independent Director at Beaulieu International Group, Montea, UTB, and Kolmont Holding, bringing strategic oversight and financial acumen.

Key Responsibilities and Impact Areas:

• Strategic Advisory: Provides strategic and financial advice to fast-growing companies, influencing their development and growth trajectories.
• Investment Strategy: Drives investment strategies that align with long-term organisational goals.
• Operational Excellence: Enhances operational frameworks to achieve efficiency and scalability.

Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, and English.

Education: Holds a Master’s degree in Business and Financial Sciences and a Degree in Marketing from VLEKHO Business School and IMELDA, respectively.

Jules Noten

Investment Committee Member

Jules Noten is a seasoned executive and board member with a rich history in leading and transforming businesses across various sectors.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• CEO of Vandemoortele Group (2012-2020): Guided Vandemoortele to prosperity with a revenue of approximately €1.4 billion.
• CEO of Balta Group (2009-2012): Played a pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of Domo Floorcoverings.
• CEO of Partners in Lighting International/Massive (2003-2008): Expanded production and led key acquisitions.
• 18 Years at Unilever (1985-2003): Held various roles contributing to growth in different regions.

Board Memberships:

• Current Board Director at Ardo (Chair), Sioen Industries, Bpost, and Serax.
• Previous board director roles include: Port of Antwerp, LRM, Guylian, Terbeke.

Key Skills and Specialties:

• Expert in business strategies, marketing, and sales.
• Known for a human-centric leadership approach.
• Rich experience in working with Private Equity (CVC, 3i, Doughty-Hanson, Gimv, Rivean Capital).

Education:

• Master degree Commercial and Financial Sciences VLEKHO.
• Certified International Director INSEAD.
• Singularity University, Harvard Business School, and Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management).

Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, English.

Joost Maes

Investment Committee Member

Joost Maes, a retired partner from Egon Zehnder, brings extensive expertise in leadership consultancy and executive development to WAD Capital. He understands particularly well the consumer goods, distribution & retail, logistics, facility management, and real estate sectors. He also brings strong familiarity with the legal, regulatory, compliance, and public affairs functions (across all industries).

Key Achievements and Roles:

• Founder and Global Head Legal Regulatory & Compliance, Egon Zehnder: Established and led the practice group, building the Firm’s standing in these functions globally.
• Chairman of the Global Partners’ Meeting, Egon Zehnder: Steered 270 partners on strategic discussions and reviewed the Firm’s governance structure.
• Managing Partner, Brussels Office, Egon Zehnder: Directed the Belgian P&L.
• Member of the Risk Committee, Egon Zehnder: Played a key role in mapping and managing all key risks.

Key Skills and Specialties:

• Expertise in selecting and assessing top-level executives and board members in various industries.
• Skilled in developing executive talent and top teams.

Education:

• LL.M. from University of Virginia.
• Law Degree from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Languages: Fluent in Dutch, English, and French.

Alex Brabers

Investment Committee Member

Alex Brabers, with his extensive investment experience and financial accumen, has played a crucial role in supporting innovative entrepreneurs and driving companies towards significant value creation and successful exits.

Key Achievements and Roles:

• Chief Business Operations at Gimv (1990-2017): In his 27 years at Gimv, a listed European investment company targeting growing PE & VC investments, Alex was instrumental in managing the investment processes. He played a key role in recruiting and coaching international investment teams and was a member of the investment committee, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success in private equity and venture capital investments.
• Chairman of the Board at LetsBuild, Metamaze, and willow: Oversees strategic direction and innovation in these companies.
• Board Member at Blanco Fintech and 3d investors: Contributes to corporate strategy and governance.

Education:

• Master's degree in Economics from KU Leuven (1983-1987).