In Memoriam: Patrick De Greve (1969 – 2026)

25 August 2026

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our General Director, Patrick De Greve.

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For 34 years, Patrick was a driving force behind Vlerick Business School. After graduating from the PUB programme in 1992, he joined the school at the invitation of Prof. Werner Bruggeman and dedicated his entire career to building, shaping, and guiding our institution. Over three decades, Patrick took on every role imaginable, from teaching cost accounting and running academic programs to founding our Customised Programmes unit and coordinating the Advanced Management Programme.

As General Director, his operational stewardship touched every corner of Vlerick: finance, IT, HR, corporate marketing, and the expansion of our campuses in Ghent, Leuven, Brussels, and St. Petersburg. He led with strategic clarity, remarkable intelligence, and an unwavering work ethic, always alongside his trusted teammates Sandra and Troyka.

Expressing in words what Patrick meant to the school and to all of us is almost impossible. From staff members to professors, no matter the role, he paid attention to people. He always worked for the good of the school, with remarkably little ego. Very often in the background and not on the front line. Always serving yet having great influence.

Marion Debruyne

Dean, Vlerick Business School

Beyond Vlerick, Patrick was deeply committed to societal impact, regional engagement, and board governance. He served as Chairman of the local basketball club LDP Donza (Deinze/De Pinte), where he was known as a tireless driving force, supportive coach, and passionate advocate for youth sports. His governance expertise and dedication to education extended to various board roles, including Orsi Academy and GUBERNA (the Belgian Institute of Directors). He was also an independent director of Smartphoto between 2004 and 2016. Across all organisations he touched, Patrick brought the same warmth, energy, and constructive leadership.

Yet, beyond his vast list of accomplishments, Patrick’s true legacy lies in his deep empathy for people. He mentored generations of Vlerick talent, championing students, clients, alumni, and especially our staff. Vlerick was also where he met his wife, Tine. Together with their sons, Cesar and Theo, they built a family that remained at the centre of their lives.

Patrick lived by the belief that "the show must go on—that’s what Professor Vlerick said." While we carry that spirit forward in his honour, the school will never be quite the same without him.

Our deepest thoughts, sympathy, and support go out to Tine, Cesar, Theo, and his loved ones through this deeply difficult time.