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.

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.

Bradley “Brad” Jacobs is an American serial entrepreneur and dealmaker renowned for founding and steering multiple multibillion‑dollar companies—including United Waste, United Rentals, XPO Logistics, GXO, RXO, and now QXO. He’s completed more than 500 acquisitions across logistics, waste, and equipment rental, introducing an unusual leadership style focused on meditation, employee bonding, and operational rigor.