I strongly believe in free enterprise and family capitalism. Strong bonds in the family and common aspirations are the bedrocks of the continuity of values-driven family enterprises.

Nicolas advises families in the fields of shareholder strategy, governance, alignment and conflict management, executive transition & succession planning, and structured family talent development.

Nicolas has published articles on working with non-family executives, family talent development, owner engagement metrics, and more in the field of corporate governance.

Nicolas is a member of the Owners Council of two industrial groups, governing the affairs of nearly 350 descendants.

He is a former chairman of the family holding company of a 4bio international minerals group.

Nicolas was earlier CHRO of Delhaize Group, a public company employing over 150.000 people and operating food supermarkets in North-America, Europe and Asia. 

Before that, he worked with Egon Zehnder, where he assisted several large family companies in matters of executive leadership transitions, and independent board staffing.

Earlier in his career, he was Managing Director with Maroquinerie Delvaux, a family owned company that manufactures luxury leather goods and accessories sold in Europe, Japan and the USA. 

He started his professional life as an attorney in Brussels, and a part time assistant professor in corporate law at the University of Leuven.

Nicolas is a happy father of five, and grandfather of five more. He has a passion for classic car restoration and fine craftmanship.