Top 20 Millionaires In Belgium

The Belgian economic landscape is a fascinating study in contrast, where centuries-old industrial lineages meet the rapid-fire innovation of the modern technology sector. As of late 2025, the nation’s wealthiest individuals represent a diverse array of sectors, from the global dominance of the brewing industry to sophisticated logistics and the burgeoning field of software-as-a-service. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the top twenty figures and families driving Belgium’s private wealth, highlighting their strategic moves and the enduring legacies they maintain.

1. Eric Wittouck

Managing Director of Artal Group

Eric Wittouck consistently occupies the top position among Belgium’s most affluent citizens, with a net worth that has surged beyond the 12 billion dollar mark by late 2025. His family’s wealth was originally anchored in the industrial production of sugar, specifically through the Tiense Suiker refinery. However, Wittouck’s genius lay in the strategic divestment of these traditional assets in the late 1980s. By selling the refinery to a German conglomerate, he secured the capital necessary to establish Artal Group, a private investment vehicle that would redefine his financial trajectory.

Based largely in Monaco but maintaining deep ties to his Belgian heritage, Wittouck is best known for Artal’s transformative investment in Weight Watchers. Under his guidance, Artal acquired the company and steered it through various global expansions and digital pivots. While the fitness and wellness industry has seen significant volatility, Wittouck’s ability to time the market and diversify into other high-growth sectors has ensured his family’s fortune remains resilient. In 2025, his portfolio has expanded further into biotechnology and sustainable food systems, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to wealth preservation. Despite his immense status, Wittouck remains one of the most private figures in European finance, rarely granting interviews and preferring to operate through a sophisticated network of global advisors.

2. Fernand Huts

Chairman of Katoen Natie

Fernand Huts is the flamboyant and energetic leader of Katoen Natie, a global logistics and engineering group that has become a cornerstone of the Port of Antwerp. With a fortune estimated at roughly 5.1 billion dollars, Huts has transformed a traditional cotton stevedoring company into a diversified industrial empire. His philosophy focuses on “applied engineering” within logistics, where his company does not just move goods but often manages complex semi-industrial processes for clients in the petrochemical and specialty chemical sectors.

Huts is equally famous for his cultural impact in Flanders and his outspoken views on Belgian labour laws. He is a passionate art collector, owning one of the world’s largest private collections of pre-Columbian art and various Flemish masterpieces, housed in the “Boerentoren” in Antwerp. By late 2025, Katoen Natie has made significant strides in automation and green hydrogen logistics, positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s energy transition. Huts continues to champion the entrepreneurial spirit of the Flemish region, frequently advocating for reduced bureaucratic hurdles for businesses. His wealth is a direct reflection of his ability to blend traditional port operations with high-tech supply chain solutions, making him a vital figure in Belgium’s international trade.

3. Nicolas D'Ieteren

Chairman of D'Ieteren Group

Nicolas D’Ieteren oversees an automotive and services empire that has been a fixture of the Belgian economy for over two centuries. As the head of the D’Ieteren Group, he represents the sixth generation of a family that began by building horse-drawn carriages. Today, the group is the sole distributor of Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles in Belgium, but its reach extends far beyond car sales. Nicolas has been instrumental in the group’s diversification, most notably through its majority stake in Belron, the global parent company of brands like Carglass.

In late 2025, the D’Ieteren Group has capitalised on the transition to electric mobility, recording record revenues as Belgian fleets modernise their transport. Nicolas has also overseen the integration of lifestyle brands like Moleskine into the group’s portfolio, signalling a move toward premium services and consumer goods. His net worth, estimated at 4.36 billion dollars, is supported by the group’s robust stock market performance and its reputation for disciplined long-term management. Nicolas is known for maintaining the family’s values of discretion and stability while ensuring the company remains agile enough to compete in the rapidly changing global automotive landscape. His leadership ensures that the D’Ieteren name remains synonymous with Belgian industrial excellence.

4. Alexandre Van Damme

Majority Shareholder of AB InBev

Alexandre Van Damme is perhaps the most influential figure within the constellation of families that control Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer. With a net worth of approximately 3.56 billion dollars, his wealth is intrinsically tied to the performance of brands like Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Corona. Van Damme is a descendant of the Piedboeuf brewing family, which merged with the Artois family to create the foundation of the modern beer giant. He has spent decades on the board of AB InBev, often acting as a bridge between the Belgian families and their Brazilian partners, 3G Capital.

Van Damme is famously reclusive, living a quiet life in Switzerland to avoid the glare of the Belgian media. Beyond beer, he holds significant investments in the food sector through Restaurant Brands International and Kraft Heinz. By late 2025, he has focused on steering AB InBev toward non-alcoholic alternatives and premium craft markets to combat declining traditional beer consumption. His influence is not just measured in dollars but in his ability to maintain the family’s control over a global conglomerate that employs over 150,000 people. He remains a master of the “long game,” focusing on generational wealth rather than short-term market fluctuations.

5. Ségolène Gallienne

Director and Shareholder of GBL

Ségolène Gallienne is a pivotal figure in the Frère-Gallienne family, which co-controls the Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL), one of Europe’s largest investment holding companies. As the daughter of the late Baron Albert Frère, Ségolène has inherited a legacy of strategic investment that spans across multiple industries. Her wealth, estimated at 3.36 billion dollars, is derived from GBL’s significant stakes in companies such as Adidas, Pernod Ricard, and Holcim. Her role involves overseeing the family’s interests and ensuring that the investment philosophy established by her father remains intact.

By late 2025, GBL has pivoted more aggressively toward private equity and alternative investments, seeking higher yields in a volatile economic environment. Ségolène is known for her understated but firm leadership style, often working behind the scenes to manage the family’s vast charitable foundations and cultural patronage. Her wealth is a testament to the power of the “holding company” model in Belgium, where a single family can exert influence over dozens of global corporations. She represents the continuation of a financial dynasty that has shaped the Belgian stock market for decades, balancing the preservation of capital with the need for modern diversification.

6. Catheline Perier D'Ieteren

Shareholder of D'Ieteren Group

Catheline Perier D’Ieteren is a major shareholder in the D’Ieteren Group and represents a significant portion of the family’s wealth. While she is less involved in the daily executive operations than some of her relatives, her influence as a core shareholder is vital for the company’s stability. Her net worth of 3.30 billion dollars is a reflection of the group’s success in the automotive and glass repair sectors. Catheline is known for her academic background and her interest in the history of art, which often brings a different perspective to the family’s strategic discussions.

In 2025, her focus has remained on the long-term sustainability of the D’Ieteren legacy. The group has seen its value rise as Belron continues to dominate the global vehicle glass repair market, providing a steady stream of dividends to the family. Catheline’s wealth highlights the importance of female stakeholders in Belgium’s traditional industrial families, where ownership is often shared across several branches to ensure continuity. She remains a discreet but essential part of the Belgian billionaire landscape, embodying the blend of cultural intellectualism and business acumen that is common among the nation’s elite.

7. Fabien Pinckaers

Founder and CEO of Odoo

Fabien Pinckaers is the face of Belgium’s modern technology revolution. As the founder of Odoo, a suite of business software applications, he has built a “unicorn” company that challenges global giants like SAP and Microsoft. With a net worth of 3.23 billion dollars, Pinckaers is often referred to as the “Belgian Bill Gates,” though he prefers a much more humble and direct approach to management. Odoo’s success is built on an open-source model that allows businesses to manage everything from CRM to accounting and e-commerce through a single, integrated platform.

By late 2025, Odoo has achieved a massive global footprint, with millions of users and a valuation that continues to climb. Pinckaers is known for his unconventional style, often wearing casual clothes and working from the company’s rural headquarters in Grand-Rosière. He has famously turned down numerous buyout offers, preferring to maintain his independence and focus on product development. His wealth is a significant departure from the traditional brewing and industrial fortunes of Belgium, representing a new era where software and innovation are the primary drivers of billionaire status. Pinckaers remains committed to the Belgian tech ecosystem, often mentoring younger entrepreneurs and advocating for better digital education.

8. Theo Roussis & Family

CEO of Ravago

Theo Roussis leads Ravago, a global leader in the distribution and recycling of plastics and rubbers. Based in Luxembourg but deeply rooted in the Belgian business community, Roussis has a net worth of 3.19 billion dollars. He took over the company from his father-in-law, Raf Van Gorp, and transformed it into an international powerhouse with over 9,000 employees. Ravago’s business model is unique, as it combines the distribution of polymers for major producers with its own extensive recycling and compounding operations.

In 2025, Roussis has positioned Ravago as a critical player in the global circular economy. As governments and corporations face increasing pressure to reduce plastic waste, Ravago’s recycling capabilities have become immensely valuable. Roussis is known for his extremely low public profile, rarely appearing in the media or at public events. His wealth is a reflection of his ability to navigate the complex global supply chains of the chemical industry while maintaining an agile, family-run structure. He represents the industrial grit of the Kempen region, where many of Belgium’s most successful manufacturing firms are headquartered.

9. Gérald Frère

Chairman of Frère-Bourgeois and Director of GBL

Gérald Frère is the son of the legendary Baron Albert Frère and currently serves as a central figure in the management of the family’s multi-billion dollar holdings. With a net worth of 2.95 billion dollars, he oversees the family’s top-tier holding company, Frère-Bourgeois, which in turn controls GBL. Gérald has spent his career at the heart of the Belgian and French financial establishments, serving on the boards of some of the world’s largest companies and maintaining close ties to the Belgian monarchy.

By late 2025, Gérald has focused on ensuring a smooth transition of power to the third generation of the Frère family. His leadership is characterised by the same tactical precision that his father was famous for, but with a greater emphasis on environmental and social governance within the group’s portfolio. The family remains a powerhouse in sectors like energy, luxury goods, and materials. Gérald’s wealth is not just a personal asset but a tool for maintaining Belgian influence on the European corporate stage. He remains a symbol of the enduring power of the “Walloon industrialists” who helped build the modern Belgian economy.

10. Pierre van der Mersch

Chairman of Brederode

Pierre van der Mersch is a veteran of the Belgian financial sector, leading the investment holding company Brederode. With a net worth of 2.54 billion dollars, he is known for his conservative but highly effective approach to asset management. Brederode focuses on long-term investments in listed companies and has a significant portfolio of private equity holdings. Van der Mersch’s strategy is built on the idea of “compounding,” where steady, reliable growth is favoured over high-risk speculation.

In late 2025, Brederode has benefited from its exposure to the pharmaceutical and technology sectors, which have shown resilience in an uncertain market. Pierre is now 90 years old and remains an active figure in the company’s strategic oversight, though he has increasingly delegated daily operations to his children. His wealth is a reflection of a lifetime dedicated to the meticulous study of markets and a refusal to follow short-term trends. He represents the “old guard” of Brussels finance, where discretion, integrity, and long-term thinking are the primary virtues. His career is a masterclass in how to build and preserve wealth across generations.

11. Werner de Spoelberch

Shareholder of AB InBev

Werner de Spoelberch is a senior member of the de Spoelberch family, one of the three core lineages that founded and still control AB InBev. The family’s collective wealth is staggering, estimated at over 14 billion euros, while Werner’s individual stake and associated assets place him firmly in the billionaire category. The de Spoelberchs have been involved in the brewing industry since the 14th century, making them one of the oldest industrial families in Europe. Werner has played a key role in managing the family’s transition from local brewers to global conglomerate owners.

In 2025, Werner continues to oversee the family’s philanthropic efforts through the de Spoelberch Foundation, which supports scientific research into neurodegenerative diseases. His wealth is managed through various sophisticated holding companies that ensure the family’s influence is maintained across multiple continents. Unlike the fast-paced tech billionaires, Werner’s wealth is rooted in deep history and a commitment to a single, globally dominant product. He remains a figure of immense respect in Leuven and Brussels, representing the intersection of Belgian nobility and modern corporate power.

12. Pascal Vanhalst & Family

Former Shareholder of TVH

Pascal Vanhalst is a key figure in the Belgian machinery and industrial equipment sector. His wealth, estimated at 1.69 billion dollars, stems from his former co-ownership of TVH (Thermote & Vanhalst), a global leader in parts for forklifts and industrial vehicles. Following a strategic split of the company with the Thermote family, Pascal took control of the “Mateco” division, which focuses on the rental of aerial work platforms. This move allowed him to build a more focused and agile business under his own leadership.

By late 2025, Mateco has expanded its operations across Europe and Latin America, capitalising on the global demand for construction and maintenance equipment. Pascal is known for his hands-on management style and his deep technical knowledge of the industry. His wealth has allowed him to diversify into other sectors, including real estate and renewable energy projects in Flanders. He represents the entrepreneurial vigour of the West Flanders region, where many of Belgium’s most successful manufacturing and service firms are born. Pascal remains a low-profile individual, focusing more on the operational excellence of his companies than on his public standing.

13. Filip Balcaen & Family

Owner of Ivy Group

Filip Balcaen is a prominent industrialist who built his fortune in the flooring industry. He was the majority owner of Balta, one of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturers, before selling his stake in a series of highly lucrative deals. He then founded IVC Group, which became a global leader in luxury vinyl tiles, before selling that to Mohawk Industries. Today, through his investment vehicle Ivy Group, he manages a net worth of 1.49 billion dollars. Balcaen is considered one of the shrewdest deal-makers in Belgium, with a knack for identifying market shifts before they happen.

In 2025, Balcaen has shifted his focus toward luxury real estate and sustainable industrial projects. He is also a known enthusiast for sailing and has invested in various marine-related technologies. His wealth is a classic example of “industrial recycling,” where capital generated in traditional sectors is reinvested into high-growth, modern enterprises. Balcaen is highly respected for his ability to build companies from the ground up and exit at the peak of their value. He remains a vital force in the Flemish business community, providing capital and mentorship to the next generation of industrial leaders.

14. Roland Duchâtelet

Founder of Melexis

Roland Duchâtelet is a multi-faceted entrepreneur best known as the founder of Melexis, a company that designs and manufactures advanced microelectronics for the automotive industry. With a net worth of 1.46 billion dollars, Duchâtelet’s wealth is rooted in the “high-tech” manufacturing sector. Melexis chips are found in almost every modern car, managing everything from engine sensors to climate control. Beyond electronics, Duchâtelet is a controversial and well-known figure in the world of professional football, having owned several clubs across Europe, including Standard Liège.

By late 2025, Melexis has seen its valuation soar as vehicles become increasingly electronic and autonomous. Duchâtelet has also been active in Belgian politics, founding his own political party and advocating for radical changes to the tax system. His wealth allows him to pursue a wide range of interests, from semiconductor physics to social engineering. He is a quintessential “disruptor,” often challenging the status quo in both business and society. Despite his various public ventures, his core wealth remains tied to the undeniable success of Melexis and its dominant position in the global automotive supply chain.

15. Luc Tack

CEO of Picanol and Tessenderlo Group

Luc Tack is a powerhouse of Flemish industry, known for his relentless work ethic and his ability to turn around struggling companies. He is the majority shareholder and CEO of the Picanol Group, a world leader in high-tech weaving machines, and the Tessenderlo Group, a diversified industrial firm. His net worth of 1.16 billion dollars reflects his success in integrating these two giants into a single, cohesive industrial force. Tack is famous for his “no-nonsense” approach, often spending his days on the factory floor rather than in a plush office.

In 2025, Tack has focused on the global transition toward sustainable agriculture and water management through Tessenderlo’s specialty chemical division. He is a vocal advocate for the preservation of manufacturing in Europe, arguing that a strong industrial base is essential for the continent’s future. His wealth is built on the principles of efficiency, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the value of making things. Tack remains one of the most influential voices in the Belgian business world, representing the grit and determination of the industrial heartland.

16. Bart van Malderen

Founder of Drylock Technologies

Bart van Malderen has built a billion-dollar fortune in the hygiene products sector. As the former head of Ontex and the founder of Drylock Technologies, he has a net worth of 1.13 billion dollars. Drylock is a global leader in the production of sustainable, private-label nappies and adult incontinence products. Van Malderen’s innovation was to develop the “fluffless” nappy, which is thinner, more absorbent, and significantly better for the environment than traditional products.

By late 2025, Drylock has expanded its production facilities into the United States and South America, challenging the dominance of brands like Pampers. Van Malderen is known for his speed of execution and his ability to compete on price without sacrificing quality. His wealth is a reflection of the global demand for high-quality, sustainable consumer goods. He remains a very private individual, focusing on the growth of his company and his family’s long-term interests. His success shows that even in highly competitive commodity markets, innovation and sustainability can lead to the creation of a massive fortune.

17. Patokh Chodiev

Co-founder of Eurasian Resources Group

Patokh Chodiev is a Belgian-Uzbek billionaire who built his wealth in the mining and minerals sector. With a net worth of 1.06 billion dollars, he is one of the founders of the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), which has vast operations in Kazakhstan and Africa. Chodiev’s wealth is tied to the global demand for ferrochrome, aluminium, and iron ore. Based in Brussels for decades, he is a prominent philanthropist through the Chodiev Foundation, which supports education and healthcare projects in Central Asia and Russia.

In 2025, Chodiev’s focus has shifted toward the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition, such as cobalt and copper. ERG is one of the world’s largest producers of cobalt, a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. Chodiev’s presence on this list highlights the international nature of Belgian wealth, where a citizen can manage global industrial assets from a base in the heart of Europe. He remains a figure of significant influence in both the mining industry and the diplomatic circles of Brussels.

18. Jonas Dhaenens

Founder of team.blue

Jonas Dhaenens is another star of the Belgian tech scene, having built a multi-billion dollar empire in the world of web hosting and digital services. As the founder of Combell, which merged to create team.blue, Dhaenens has a net worth of 1.06 billion dollars. His strategy was based on the rapid consolidation of the fragmented European hosting market, acquiring dozens of smaller competitors to create a massive, efficient platform.

By late 2025, team.blue has become the dominant provider of digital infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses across Europe. Dhaenens is known for his tactical brilliance and his deep understanding of the internet economy. His wealth represents the “second wave” of Belgian tech success, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Fabien Pinckaers. He remains active in the investment world, providing capital to young software companies through his own venture fund. Dhaenens is a symbol of the ambitious, global mindset of the modern Flemish entrepreneur.

19. Janssen Family

Heirs to the Solvay and UCB Legacy

The Janssen family represents the enduring power of Belgium’s chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. As descendants of the founders of Solvay and with significant interests in UCB (Union Chimique Belge), the family’s collective wealth is estimated at over 3 billion euros. Their fortune is rooted in the 19th-century innovations of Ernest and Alfred Solvay, who revolutionised the production of soda ash. Today, the family remains a core stakeholder in Solvay, which has pivoted toward specialty chemicals and advanced materials.

In 2025, the family’s interests in UCB have been particularly lucrative, as the company has launched several successful new drugs for immunology and neurology. The Janssens are known for their commitment to scientific research and their long-term stewardship of their industrial assets. Their wealth is managed with a focus on stability and generational transition, ensuring that the family remains at the pinnacle of the Belgian business world for another century. They represent the sophisticated, academic side of Belgian wealth, where business success is often paired with a deep commitment to science and culture.

20. Boone & Stevens Families

Owners of Lotus Bakeries

The Boone and Stevens families are the names behind Lotus Bakeries, the company that turned the humble “speculoos” biscuit into the global phenomenon known as Biscoff. With a collective net worth of approximately 3.3 billion euros, the families have seen their wealth explode as Lotus expanded into North America and Asia. Jan Boone Jr. currently serves as the CEO, maintaining the family’s hands-on approach to the business.

By late 2025, Lotus has continued to diversify into healthy snacking through acquisitions like nākd and BEAR. The company’s stock price has become one of the most successful on the Euronext Brussels, reflecting its consistent growth and strong brand loyalty. The Boone and Stevens families are known for their pride in their Belgian heritage and their commitment to their home base in Lembeke. Their wealth is a testament to the power of a single, high-quality product that is marketed with global ambition. They remain a beloved part of the Belgian business landscape, proving that family-run firms can still dominate on the world stage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the richest person in Belgium?

As of late 2025, Eric Wittouck is the wealthiest individual in Belgium, with an estimated net worth exceeding 12 billion dollars. His fortune is managed through the Artal Group.

How did the AB InBev families become so wealthy?

The wealth of families like the de Spoelberchs and Van Dammes comes from their centuries-old roots in the Belgian brewing industry, which eventually culminated in the creation of AB InBev, the world's largest beer producer.

Is Belgium a hub for technology billionaires?

While Belgium is traditionally known for industrial and brewing wealth, a new generation of tech billionaires has emerged. Notable figures include Fabien Pinckaers of Odoo and Jonas Dhaenens of the team.blue.

Where do the wealthiest Belgians typically live?

Many of Belgium's wealthiest citizens live in the Flanders region, particularly around Antwerp and Ghent. In Brussels, the Square du Bois, often called "Billionaires' Square," is a prominent residential hub for the elite.

What is the role of holding companies in Belgian wealth?

Holding companies like GBL, Brederode, and Artal are essential for Belgian billionaires. They allow families to diversify their investments across multiple global sectors while maintaining a centralised core of capital and control.

Millionaires In Belgium

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Flemish Brabant | Antwerp | Walloon Brabant | Flanders