The Belgian Football Association has a surprise CEO: Piet Vandendreich is the new strongman

The casting of Piet Vandendriessche can still be seen as a surprise. Unlike other candidates such as Peter Willems (former OHL), Manu Leroy (current interim CEO) and Philippe Rosier (Flemish football), he has no history in football.

The West Flemish man has an excellent reputation in the business world thanks to his great achievements at Deloitte, a financial and business services company.

It was known there as the “multiplier”, because almost all the parameters were multiplied by two under Vandendreich, who resigned as CEO in July 2023.

“Sports and football have always been one of my great interests. I am therefore particularly excited to work for the German Football Association and put my previous leadership experience at the service of the association and all its members,” Vandendreich responded in a press release.

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Vandendriessche must above all ensure stability at KBVB again. In March, then-CEO Peter Bossert was fired after signing an improved contract without the board’s knowledge.

Chairman Paul van den Bulke, who accompanied Bossart to the exit, was later fired following a letter of complaint from the management committee over “humiliating and intimidating” behaviour.

It was so complete chaos.

Manu Leroy, who was previously active as marketing director at the Football Association, succeeded Bossaert as interim CEO and was also a candidate to remain as well. But he doesn’t.

58-year-old Pete Vandendreich is the new tough guy at KBVB.

He was nominated by a working group made up of association president Pascal van Dam, Anderlecht president Wouter Vandenhout and amateur football representatives Jörg Keldermans and Philipp Godin.

“Pete Vandendreich will guide digital innovation in the right direction and continue our fight against racism and discrimination in and around football stadiums,” answers Van Damme.

“The new CEO will also work to sustainably strengthen our social role by writing a sports story with great results.”

Vandendriessche faces many challenges at KBVB. In difficult budgetary times, he must ensure that the Belgian FA is kept abreast of all developments in international football. Especially now that another nice group of Red Devils have arrived.

Further development of the team and the Red Flames product, which has been performing increasingly better recently, is also high on the agenda. Our country is a candidate to organize the Women’s World Cup in 2027, along with the Netherlands and Germany.