Belgium’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by a mix of financial institutions, industrial conglomerates, and critical infrastructure. As businesses face growing digital threats, the country’s top CISOs are combining technical expertise, strategic foresight, and collaborative leadership to safeguard operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive cyber resilience. Here are five CISOs setting the standard in Belgium today.
Philippe Michiels — Chief Information Security Officer, Cegeka Group
CISSP, CISM, CCSK, DPO, ITIL certified, and finalist for “Belgian CISO of the Year 2023,” Philippe Michiels blends hands-on technical experience with strategic governance. His approach links business goals with pragmatic cybersecurity strategies, helping organizations grow securely. A collaborative leader and consultant, he ensures cyber defenses are aligned with company capabilities and operational priorities.
Xavier Neerdaels — Chief Information Security Officer, BNP Paribas Fortis
With over 20 years in security and architecture roles, Xavier Neerdaels currently leads application security, cyber defense, and fraud prevention at BNP Paribas Fortis. His experience spans banking, telecommunications, and engineering, giving him a broad understanding of complex IT landscapes. Xavier’s leadership combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight, supporting robust, enterprise-wide cyber risk management.
Xavier Paulus — Chief Information Security Officer, Solvay
Xavier Paulus brings a holistic perspective to cybersecurity, bridging IT and business. Experienced as a developer, system engineer, architect, and consultant, he tailors strategies to diverse operational and regulatory environments. Passionate about education, he lectures in Brussels and promotes cybersecurity awareness. His collaborative approach emphasizes human relations while implementing resilient, business-aligned cyber strategies.
Fabrice Clément — Chief Information Security Officer, Proximus
Fabrice Clément leads cybersecurity, business continuity, fraud prevention, and investigations at Proximus while serving on the Cyber Security Coalition board. A founding member of the coalition, Fabrice drives initiatives to strengthen Belgium’s business cyber resilience. His strategic insight enables Proximus to develop tailored cybersecurity services, ensuring organizations meet evolving threats and complex legal and regulatory requirements.
Johan Claessens — IT Security & GRC Manager, Nipro Corporation
Previously CISO at water-link, where he led the first Belgian water company to ISO 27001 certification, Johan Claessens is a recognized leader in aligning security with business risk. Currently at Nipro Corporation, he focuses on risk assessments, IAM, OT/ICS security, and regulatory compliance. As Chair of the CISO Group, Johan champions knowledge-sharing and collaboration across Flemish water companies.
Leading the Charge in Belgium’s Cyber Resilience
These CISOs exemplify the combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership needed to protect Belgium’s critical industries. Their work not only secures their organizations but also strengthens the country’s broader cyber ecosystem, setting a benchmark for cyber resilience and innovation in the region.