Hans Verstraete, former top executive at KBC, becomes new president of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders

Hans Verstraete, former top executive at KBC Insurance, among others, is the new president of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. During the States General, a meeting of all division presidents and board members of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, he was officially introduced as the successor to Dr. Laurette Steenssens. 

Red Cross guardianship minister Caroline Gennez attended the meeting and looks forward to working with Verstraete.

From the insurance world to Flanders' largest volunteer organization

With 12,500 volunteers, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is the largest volunteer organization in Flanders. The path Verstraete took is remarkable: after an impressive career of more than 35 years in the insurance sector, in which he was CEO at Nateus, Vice President of Ethias and Senior General Manager at KBC, he chose to volunteer for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders in 2021. First as vice president, and now as president.

"The best insurance for Flanders, is a strong Red Cross," Verstraete summed it up with a witticism. "I have come to know Belgian Red Cross-Flanders as an organization with enormous drive and strong professionalism. I want to use my experience in strategy and management to further future-proof Belgian Red Cross-Flanders . Together with our volunteers and staff, we will continue to build an organization that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow."

A forward-looking vision

Verstraete succeeds Dr. Laurette Steenssens, who led the organization as president since 2021 and laid a strong foundation for the future. Belgian Red Cross-Flanders remains fully committed to blood supplies, emergency interventions and international operations - each time with scientific underpinning. During the States General, strategic priorities were discussed and the course for the coming years set.

In addition, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders remains an important partner within the broader aid landscape. The recognition as "Helper of the Flemish Government" underlines the organization's role as an indispensable link in social challenges.

Philippe Vandekerckhove, Chief executive officer, CEO of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, stressed the importance of a strong organization that is ready for the future:

"Our organization plays a key role in crisis situations and medical assistance. The States General is a time to look ahead: how do we continue to use innovation to fulfill our mission even better? With Hans Verstraete as president, we can build on a strong foundation and continue to grow in our social role."