Expert Leadership in Private Equity & SME Succession
Advisory Network
A group of seasoned executives and specialists offering sector insights, strategic input, and operational guidance.
Investment Committee
Provides independent oversight, reviews major transactions, and ensures disciplined, well-informed decision-making.
Leadership Team
Our General Partners set the firm’s vision, lead strategic investments, and ensure operational excellence across the portfolio.
Alain R.H. Brossé
Managing Partner
With over three decades of experience, Alain delivers operational excellence, shaping corporate strategy and scaling companies into market leaders.
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CEO and Founder of Welkin and Meraki: Successfully bootstrapped and led to an impressive exit within five years, demonstrating his capability in building and scaling a business.
CCO and Co-Founder of Tribes: Played a pivotal role in achieving unicorn status and navigating successful exits.
Director of Sales at Thomas Cook: Significantly contributed to the group's EBIT through strategic sales and marketing leadership.
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Mentorship: Elevates team expertise through industry wisdom and executive leadership development.
Strategic Investment: Initiates cornerstone investments, adding significant financial depth and strategic insight.
Investment Decision-making: Balances strategic foresight with a collaborative approach.
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Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, English, and German.
Education: Degrees in Economic Sciences, Corporate Finance, and Venture Finance from respected institutions.
Steven Coppens
Managing Partner
With extensive experience in investment leadership and entrepreneurial ventures, Steven drives business transformation and digital growth, shaping our strategic vision.
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Partner at Gimv: Over 13 years, Steven honed his expertise in software and digital investments, contributing significantly to the firm's portfolio.
Co-Founder of Wineissocial and Decovry: Guided both companies from startups to established firms, achieving combined revenues of €15M.
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Investment Strategy: Leads WAD Capital's investment initiatives, aligning them with long-term goals.
Deal Structuring: Expert in structuring complex M&A activities to maximise value creation.
Stakeholder Relations: Builds and maintains strong relationships with investors and partners.
Risk Mitigation: Implements strategies to navigate market uncertainties with a balanced approach.
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Languages: Fluent in Dutch, English, and French.
Education: Master in Economics from Leuven University and ESC Montpellier.
Christopher Tournis Gamble
Managing Partner
Bringing deep expertise in technology-driven innovation and venture capital, Christopher advances strategic investments that strengthen our competitive edge.
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Managing General Partner at Sima Ventures: Achieved a MOIC of 7.5x, reflecting his strategic acumen in realising substantial returns on investments.
Founder of Zihzo: Focused on building offshore teams and guiding disruptive European ventures, driving their growth and success.
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Technology Innovation: Spearheads initiatives in technology-driven innovation and strategic investments.
Global Strategy: Enhances WAD Capital's competitive edge in the global market.
Operational Excellence: Drives operational strategies for efficiency and growth.
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Languages: Fluent in French and English, elementary in Dutch.
Education: Master's in Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science.
At WAD Capital, our leadership team's collective expertise drives our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent and sustaining the growth of European SMEs.
Barbara De Saedeleer
Investment Committee Member
Barbara is a senior executive with deep expertise in finance, strategy, and operations. She has held leadership roles in corporate banking and strategic investments, delivering growth and operational excellence across multiple sectors.
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CFO at Omega Pharma: Played a pivotal role in the growth of Omega Pharma from €250 million to €1.3 billion, overseeing significant acquisitions and strategic financial restructuring.
Chief Investments and Operations Officer at Ghelamco: Led investment and operational strategies, enhancing corporate growth and performance.
Independent Director: Currently serves as an Independent Director at Beaulieu International Group, Montea, UTB, and Kolmont Holding, bringing strategic oversight and financial acumen.
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Strategic Advisory: Provides strategic and financial advice to fast-growing companies, influencing their development and growth trajectories.
Investment Strategy: Drives investment strategies that align with long-term organisational goals.
Operational Excellence: Enhances operational frameworks to achieve efficiency and scalability.
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Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, and English.
Education: Holds a Master’s degree in Business and Financial Sciences and a Degree in Marketing from VLEKHO Business School and IMELDA, respectively.
Jules Noten
Investment Committee Member
Jules is an experienced executive and board member with a track record of leading and transforming companies. His leadership spans multiple industries, driving strategic change and sustainable growth.
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CEO of Vandemoortele Group (2012-2020): Guided Vandemoortele to prosperity with a revenue of approximately €1.4 billion.
CEO of Balta Group (2009-2012): Played a pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of Domo Floorcoverings.
CEO of Partners in Lighting International/Massive (2003-2008): Expanded production and led key acquisitions.
18 Years at Unilever (1985-2003): Held various roles contributing to growth in different regions.
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Current Board Director at Ardo (Chair), Sioen Industries, Bpost, and Serax.
Previous board director roles include: Port of Antwerp, LRM, Guylian, Terbeke.
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Expert in business strategies, marketing, and sales.
Known for a human-centric leadership approach.
Rich experience in working with Private Equity (CVC, 3i, Doughty-Hanson, Gimv, Rivean Capital).
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Education:
Master’s degree Commercial and Financial Sciences VLEKHO.
Certified International Director INSEAD.
Singularity University, Harvard Business School, and Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management).
Languages: Fluent in Dutch, French, English.
Joost Maes
Investment Committee Member
Joost, a retired partner at Egon Zehnder, brings extensive expertise in leadership advisory, executive search & development. He has deep sector knowledge in logistics, legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.
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Founder and Global Head Legal Regulatory & Compliance, Egon Zehnder: Established and led the practice group, building the Firm’s standing in these functions globally.
Chairman of the Global Partners’ Meeting, Egon Zehnder: Steered 270 partners on strategic discussions and reviewed the Firm’s governance structure.
Managing Partner, Brussels Office, Egon Zehnder: Directed the Belgian P&L.
Member of the Risk Committee, Egon Zehnder: Played a key role in mapping and managing all key risks.
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Expertise in selecting and assessing top-level executives and board members in various industries.
Skilled in developing executive talent and top teams.
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Education:
LL.M. from University of Virginia.
Law Degree from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Languages: Fluent in Dutch, English, and French.
Alex Brabers
Investment Committee Member
Alex combines extensive investment expertise with sharp financial insight. He has guided entrepreneurs through growth, delivering significant value creation and successful exits across a range of innovative businesses.
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Chief Business Operations at Gimv (1990-2017): In his 27 years at Gimv, a listed European investment company targeting growing PE & VC investments, Alex was instrumental in managing the investment processes. He played a key role in recruiting and coaching international investment teams and was a member of the investment committee, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success in private equity and venture capital investments.
Chairman of the Board at LetsBuild, Metamaze, and willow: Oversees strategic direction and innovation in these companies.
Board Member at Blanco Fintech and 3d investors: Contributes to corporate strategy and governance.
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Education:
Master's degree in Economics from KU Leuven (1983-1987).