Stef Van Looveren
CEO and co-founder Vlegel Technology
Young Leader, Edition 2025
“I’m a driven yet grounded optimist who challenges himself and others to grow, combining sharp thinking with genuine care.”
Stef Van Looveren is the CEO and co-founder of Vlegel Technology, living in Grobbendonk, Belgium with his wife, two daughters, and a third child on the way. Every day, he combines sharp thinking with genuine care to inspire his team and drive purposeful growth.
“A group of people I proudly call ‘Vlegels’, who give their all every day to help us create meaningful impact in the world around us.”
Under Stef’s leadership, Vlegel Technology uses smart software and data to help local industries become smarter, more efficient, and sustainable. Stef is deeply proud of the team spirit they’ve built, a community of passionate “Vlegels” committed to meaningful impact.
“I used to believe I had to lead by doing, proving and pushing. But the more I grew into the role, the more I learned that true leadership is about presence rather than pressure.”
Stef’s leadership has evolved from doing it all himself to trusting his team and creating space for them to thrive. He embraces vulnerability and openness, believing that “showing that it’s okay not to be okay is often the most human and impactful thing you can do.”
“Creating positive impact means protecting what is fragile, nurturing what matters, and moving forward with care and clarity.”
For Stef, positive impact means leaving a world full of wonder for future generations — a world where children can play under trees, hear birdsong, and dream freely. Through Vlegel, he makes that future more real by helping industries innovate with care and clarity, not by doing less but by doing things differently.
In life and leadership, Stef leads by example. He raises his children to be curious and kind, chooses connection over speed, and brings integrity into every conversation.
Reading tip: Currently, he’s reading The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, a reminder that vulnerability and courage are the foundations of true leadership.
