Noël Paesen

Noël Paesen holds a master’s degree in economic and social history from KU Leuven and a master’s in information science from the University of Antwerp. From this dual background, he has built a career at the intersection of analysis, strategy, technology and societal change.

He started as a university researcher, then worked as an knowledge expert at McKinsey & Co, and later led information transformation and the launch of a digital spin-off at the Port of Antwerp. At Bekaert, he progressed to Vice President Corporate Strategy, Venturing & Innovation, where until 2020 he contributed to growth programmes, innovation portfolios and long-term strategies in areas such as materials, renewable energy and construction.

He also puts lifelong learning into practice himself. In 2021, he completed a masterclass in Digital Transformation at the University of Antwerp and a masterclass in Winning Sustainability Strategies at IMD Lausanne.

Today, he advises organisations on sustainability, with a particular focus on the existing building stock. He has guided ESG and net-zero trajectories in the construction and logistics sectors, paying close attention to regulation, data, circularity, affordability and the practical delivery of complex transitions. He has served on the advisory board of CDM Stravitec and acts as a cooperative adviser to Collectief Goed.

His passion lies in long-term transitions that sustainably leverage and strengthen knowledge, experience and (built) heritage. Within Terbium, he aims to connect this experience to questions around working longer, lifelong learning, employability and the societal contribution of people aged 55 and over.