{
    "title": "Bekaert appoints new CEO as Yves Kerstens steps down",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-08 09:41:28",
    "published_at": "2026-05-08 09:41:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/bekaert-appoints-new-ceo-as-yves-kerstens-steps-down",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/ZsGd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "bekaert-appoints-new-ceo-as-yves-kerstens-steps-down",
    "body": "<p><strong>Belgian steel technology company Bekaert has announced a change in leadership, with Olivier Biebuyck set to become its new chief executive officer from 1 June.</strong></p><p>Biebuyck will replace Yves Kerstens, who is leaving the company on 31 May after less than three years in the role and will also step down from the board.</p><p>The company said Biebuyck brings strong experience in leading and transforming global industrial businesses, both through organic growth and acquisitions. He is currently a senior executive at US-based ESAB Corporation, which makes welding and cutting equipment, and has previously worked at Honeywell and Lafarge. He studied at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management.</p><p>Chairman J&uuml;rgen Tinggren said the board believes Biebuyck is the right person to lead Bekaert&rsquo;s next phase of transformation.</p><p>Bekaert, headquartered in Zwevegem, employs around 19,000 people worldwide and reported revenues of &euro;3.7bn last year, down 6%. The company has faced a challenging period, with uncertainty in global trade conditions and weaker demand. It has also revised its expectations for recent years.</p><p>The group produces steel cord for tyre reinforcement and steel wire used in construction.</p><p>Kerstens, who took over in September 2023, had initially set ambitious targets, but investor confidence weakened over time as some expected projects, including new technologies, failed to deliver the hoped-for results.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>#FlandersNewsService | Yves Kerstens &copy; BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
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