One of the chairmen and alumnus of the school, Philippe Vlerick, has become manager of the year. The 51-year-old nephew of the founder André Vlerick is chairman and ceo of the denim producer Uco Textiles and also manages Bic Carpets, a manufacturer of designer carpets. Last year, he went on a strategic alliance with the Indian Raymond Group.

Philippe Vlerick was chosen manager of the year by the magazine Trends, the Flemish Management Association and a professional jury. In the final round he was up against Vlerick-alumnus Chris Van Doorslaer (Carta Mundi) and Urbain Vandeurzen (LMS), member of the General Council of Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School. So the top 3 was taken by managers who are all involved with the school.

Philippe Vlerick is described as an untypical manager who combines strategic vision, knowledge and gut feeling. But he is especially praised for his interest in other sectors. “Philippe Vlerick has a long-term-vision, makes alliances with other industries and has a lot of attention for society”, said the jury to motivate their choice.

The manager of the year is vice-president of the KBC Group and involved with the Flemish entrepeneurial organization Voka and the Union of Belgian Enterprises VBO. He is also seen as one of the key figures of the Flemish network of business people who all know each other through their education at Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School.

In the French speaking side of the country, Axel Miller was crowned manager of the year. De former business lawyer became a member of the executive committee of Dexia Belgian and not even a year later he was already the chairman. Last year in January Miller already became the chairman of the whole Dexia group.

The board of directors and the general management of Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School wish all the prizewinners and nominees a lot of success with their new strategies and international plans for 2007. That it may be an innovative and entrepreneurial year.