Van Genechten Packaging Group have been awarded the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year 2025.
During the ceremony at Auditorium 2000 in Brussels, Van Genechten Packaging was presented with the award by Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele. The 31st edition of the Onderneming van het Jaar® was organised by EY, in collaboration with De Tijd, L’Echo, BNP Paribas Fortis and WorxInvest.
Frank Ohle, CEO, Van Genechten Packaging Group, said, “Winning EY Entrepreneur of the Year is an extraordinary honour and a powerful recognition of the passion, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit of our entire Van Genechten Packaging team across Europe. Over the last five years, we have grown significantly, but we have always stayed true to our core values. This means putting people first and building strong partnerships with our customers, as well as investing for the long term. This award strengthens our confidence as we continue to shape a sustainable, innovative future for our industry.”
Michèle Sioen, CEO, Sioen Industries and chair of the jury, explained, “After thorough deliberation and in complete consensus, the jury selected the ‘Onderneming van het Jaar®’ 2025 from four strong and diverse candidates. The winner stands out thanks to its leading European position in a competitive sector, with loyal master brands as customers and strong, profitable growth. The ambitious vision, based on operational excellence as a foundation and market-driven innovation, customer intimacy and end-to-end solutions as differentiation, creates sustainable value. As a worthy ambassador for entrepreneurship in Flanders, the title of Onderneming van het Jaar® 2025 goes to Van Genechten Packaging Group.”
Rudi Braes, Vice-Chair EY EMEIA, added, “This year’s winner shows that lasting success cannot be taken for granted, even after almost two centuries. Van Genechten Packaging Group continues to adapt, remaining strong in the Belgian market and relevant on a global scale — a textbook example of agile entrepreneurship. Thanks to a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, this company proves that long-term vitality in our economy is not just a thing of the past, but a matter of courage and decisiveness today.”
Frederic de Somer, Chairman, Van Genechten Packaging Group, said, “The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a welcome recognition of the hard work, dedication, and vision of our groupwide team. Every day, we collaborate, innovate, and differentiate in pursuit of delivering Magic in the Making for our customers. We also thank our wonderful customers, partners and suppliers. Without their inspiration and continued support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
