After 13 years as Secretary General of the UEB at BECI, Jan De Brabanter is passing the baton. Let's look back at a career that shaped the Brussels business world and strengthened the voice of companies.
Brussels
native and proud of it, Jan De Brabanter has dedicated his career to
representing companies within various federations. After 20 years with the
Belgian Brewers and six years in the graphics sector, he became Secretary
General of the Union of Enterprises of Brussels (UEB) at BECI in July 2011. A
role he would fulfil for 13 years.
Known for his ability to federate and calm tensions, he guided BECI through important economic and political issues while defending the companies' interests. Today, Jan leaves behind a career characterised by a willingness to listen, diplomacy and a stamp on economic and entrepreneurial life in Brussels.
Although he is
officially passing on the baton, the (former) secretary-general will always be
involved with BECI and will remain a support to his team, ready to make the
companies' voices heard.
How do you look back on your career after all these years?
Before entering the Brussels business world, I was primarily a
federation man. These 13 years at BECI were the best of my career, and I am not
saying that because I spent my last years there! What made the appeal of a
position like that of general secretary at BECI wasn't knowing what you would
do day to day, but knowing that you would have a well-filled schedule! BECI
touches all sectors, and that kept me engaged and excited during these years,
even if it was not always easy, I must admit.
Is there a moment or project that has marked your career at BECI?
I arrived in 2011, and in December that year there was a sixth state
reform. I quickly became involved in social negotiations, because at that time
the weight of regional representative employers' organisations became more
important. The UEB/VOB part of BECI had to assume various powers that did not
exist before. I tried to organise BECI's role as well as possible to ensure the
representation and interests of companies. Today, I am happy to end my job in a
period where politics could change the management of the Brussels Capital
Region.
What are you particularly proud of?
I think I contributed to the credibility and well-being of the
companies, especially through their representation at Brupartners. I was
president of Brupartners twice, over four years, which meant we [BECI] were on
the front line and the government's first contact for all ordinances and
decisions. I think I contributed to social peace. Everything I did was in the
interest of our companies and the business community. For example, when we
fought for the rollout of 5G in Brussels, it was not only to please the telecom
operators, but to prevent Brussels' economic life from coming to a standstill.
How do you think the role of Secretary General will develop in the coming years with Lisa Isnard, current Chief of Staff for the Brussels Economy, in charge?
I'm pretty confident about it. We've already worked with Lisa in
difficult times in the past. When we faced the health crisis, Lisa, as chief of
staff, took her responsibilities. Together, we have really been able to help
individual companies. Not only during the Covid-19 crisis, but also during the
subsequent energy crisis. There, I clearly understood that we were not only
dealing with a cabinet with a clear political agenda, but that it fully
recognised how important it was to work with economic circles to protect
Brussels' wealth, value and economy.
What advice would you give her for this position?
I don't think she needs advice, although I will remain available not
only to Lisa, but also to Thierry Geerts, CEO of BECI. She knows the
institutional complexities of Brussels well and will know when to take the
right decisions. However, it is also important to remember that BECI must
choose its battle. Lisa will have to choose where we need to be present, but I
think she will do a good job following this strategy.
If you had to summarise your recap in a few words, what impact do you think you have left at BECI?
I have been a ‘soldier’, not of an army but of a platoon. I have been an
important ‘pawn’, present where needed, trying to reconcile the interests of
all. This has not always been easy, but I have played the diplomacy card.
Moreover, I think people who know me are aware that I can be very friendly and
listening. However, when companies are too offended, I could get angry and
wouldn't let the file pass. That is also one of BECI's qualities. I would add
that throughout my career, doors remained open for me. Whenever I approached
institutions or ministerial cabinets, they always understood that BECI asked
the right questions and was willing to cooperate, even in the face of very
strong objections.
What can we wish for you in the future?
You're talking to me as if I am retired [laughs]! I will stay very close to the events and developments in Brussels, even if I am no longer actively involved in them. But I certainly don't want to be a ‘stepmother’ to Lisa, and I will never say, even in 10 years' time, “in my time it was better!” On the contrary, I think there really is a bright future for BECI, for entrepreneurship and for the economy in Brussels. As Thierry Geerts says: sometimes Americans wonder if Belgium is not the capital of Brussels. Well, that is sometimes true! I will remain a Brusselser and proud to have been a modestly important partner in the Brussels economic world.