News: Suppliers
29 September 2025
imec’s co-COO Patrick Vandenameele appointed CEO from April 2026
The board of directors of nanoelectronics research center imec of Leuven, Belgium has appointed Patrick Vandenameele as CEO. Effective 1 April 2026, he will succeed Luc Van den hove, who (after 17 years as CEO) will then become chair of the board.
In this new role, Van den hove will focus on executive stakeholder management and will continue to provide strategic guidance, supporting the new CEO and safeguarding imec’s long-term strategy. The transition to the new leadership structure has been prepared over the past two years, ensuring a stable handover that maintains continuity in how imec collaborates with its partner community.
Picture: Luc Van den hove and Patrick Vandenameele.
Vandenameele joined imec in 1996 as a researcher in wireless communication after earning his PhD in electrical engineering from KU Leuven. He went on to build an international career as a deep-tech entrepreneur, returning in 2017 to strengthen imec’s venturing activities. Since 2021, he has been instrumental in shaping imec’s R&D strategy, most recently as executive VP & co-chief operating officer.
“Imec stands at a pivotal moment where artificial intelligence and system technologies are defining the future of our industry,” notes Van den hove. “Patrick possesses the right skills, the right attitude, the right values, and the precise background needed to guide imec forward. His technological vision and leadership are exactly what imec needs as we enter this new era,” he adds.
“I’m looking forward to guiding an organization that is recognized internationally as a world leader in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, and a true catalyst for global innovation,” comments Vandenameele. “I am grateful for Luc’s guidance and the board’s trust,” he adds. “The opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence and advanced hardware are extraordinary.”