Yves Demaeght appointed new VDAB chief amid labour market challenges
Yves Demaeght (60) has been appointed chief executive of the Flemish employment agency VDAB for a six-year term, Flemish employment minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) announced on Thursday. He will take over in September from interim head Joris Philips, who stepped in after the departure of former CEO Wim Adriaens.
The appointment comes at a key moment for the Flemish labour market. Recent federal reforms have sharply reduced the number of people receiving unemployment benefits, while governments across Belgium are seeking to bring more long-term unemployed people back into work. At the same time, employers continue to report persistent labour shortages in sectors ranging from healthcare and construction to technology and logistics.
“We went through an intensive process to find the perfect candidate,” Demir said. According to the minister, Demaeght brings extensive experience in human resources and organisational change. “He has already successfully completed several complex assignments and knows both the private and public sectors well.”
Demaeght is currently a director at pharmaceutical company Novartis and previously served as crisis manager at the Agency for Growing Up. He is also an independent director at VRT and chairs its Audit Committee.
New management agreement
His appointment coincides with the final stages of negotiations on a new management agreement between the Flemish government and VDAB. The agreement will set out concrete objectives and performance targets for the agency.
According to Demaeght, VDAB must respond to a rapidly changing labour market through flexible services, stronger partnerships and a willingness to innovate. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence can play an important role in that process, he said.
Demir also thanked Philips for ensuring “calm, stability and continuity” during the transition period and said she wanted him to continue contributing to the agency’s reform efforts.
Asked about former CEO Wim Adriaens, who was suspended in January following irregularities in a recruitment procedure, Demir declined further comment. “I think it is good that we turn that page.”
It recently emerged that Adriaens remains on the payroll during his suspension and may return afterwards to a senior position within VDAB under rules set out in the Flemish Personnel Statute.
#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister for education and Work Zuhal Demir and new VDAB chairman Yves Demaeght pictured at a press conference to present the new chairmen of the VDAB Flemish Employment Agency, Thursday 04 June 2026 in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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