Program

This is a sneak peek of what you can expect from NCN Genk in 2026.

We'll add more speakers, workshops and surprises in the coming months.

Johan Thijs

Speaker: Group CEO at KBC

As Group CEO of KBC Group, Johan Thijs is celebrated for a management philosophy that prioritizes sustainable growth and a distinct, empowering corporate culture. Recognized by Harvard Business Review as one of the world's top CEOs, his leadership is defined by a relentless focus on execution and the ability to steer the organization through economic turbulence with stability. Johan demonstrates that true change management is about aligning thousands of people behind a shared, long-term strategic vision.

Peter Croonen

Speaker: Entrepreneur, Investor and Chairman at KRC Genk

Peter Croonen is a versatile leader who masters the delicate balance between high-stakes pressure and long-term strategic vision. Leading organizations ranging from professional football to cutting-edge companies like Bioracer, he offers unique insights into building resilience amidst volatility. Peter champions a people-first approach, demonstrating how to drive innovation and manage crisis without losing the human touch that unites a team.

Katleen Vandersmissen

Managing Partner at HERAN Partners
Katleen holds a PhD in Chemistry and started her career heading one of the R&D and QA labs of Umicore. She later joined McKinsey, focusing on strategy and M&A. As investment manager and head of the Health&Care department at institutional investor LRM, for 7 years, she got to know the world of startups and scale ups in the life science sector inside out. Katleen is part of HERAN since the start in 2020 and is responsible for the general management and the long-term strategy of HERAN, fundraising activities, the final investment decisions, and several portfolio companies. 

Sien Pralien

Workshop: Artisinal pralines & chocolate creations

Port of Limburg

Company visit

Wijn Robijn

Workshop: Wine tasting