Noël Essers, longtime leader of H.Essers, has transformed the family business founded in 1928 into one of Europe’s largest logistics and transport powerhouses. Under his stewardship, the Belgian company expanded from a regional trucking operator into a multinational provider of supply-chain solutions across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, high-value goods, warehousing, and multimodal transport. Essers spearheaded decades of strategic acquisitions, large-scale infrastructure investments, and technology upgrades, positioning H.Essers as a key partner for Europe’s most demanding industries. Known for his disciplined, long-term vision and strong family-business culture, he remains one of Belgium’s most influential industrial entrepreneurs.

Christian Dumolin, chairman and co-ceo of Koramic Investment Group, is one of Belgium’s most respected industrial and investment leaders, known for transforming a traditional brick-manufacturing company into a diversified European holding with interests spanning real estate, manufacturing, financial services, and private equity. After joining the family business in the 1970s, he led its international expansion, later steering Koramic into a broad investment platform focused on long-term value creation and operational excellence. Dumolin has served on numerous corporate boards, becoming a key figure in Belgium’s entrepreneurial landscape, while his philanthropic work in culture, education, and regional development underscores his influence beyond business.

Jef Colruyt, chairman and former CEO of the Colruyt Group, leads one of Europe’s most efficient and respected retail empires, built on a disciplined focus on low prices, operational simplicity, and long-term family stewardship. Taking the helm in 1994, he expanded the Belgian retailer into a diversified group spanning supermarkets, wholesale distribution, fuel stations, renewable energy, and digital services, all while maintaining a culture of frugality and sustainability. Under his leadership, Colruyt strengthened its position as the dominant price leader in Belgium and a key player in European retail. Known for his understated style and values-driven governance, Jef Colruyt remains one of the continent’s most influential family-business leaders.

Marc Coucke, Belgian entrepreneur and investor, built his fortune as the cofounder of Omega Pharma, transforming a small over-the-counter medicine distributor into one of Europe’s largest consumer healthcare companies before selling it to Perrigo for billions. After the sale, Coucke diversified through his investment company Alychlo, acquiring and backing businesses across pharmaceuticals, hospitality, sports, real estate, and leisure—including theme parks, luxury resorts, and the Belgian football club R.S.C. Anderlecht. Known for his charismatic style, bold dealmaking, and expansive portfolio, Coucke has become one of Belgium’s most influential business figures, blending entrepreneurial drive with high-profile investments across Europe.

Giovanni Ferrero, born in 1964, is an Italian billionaire businessman and the executive chairman of Ferrero SpA, the global confectionery company known for brands like Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher. As of 2023, he is one of the wealthiest individuals in Italy and Europe, with a net worth exceeding $40 billion.