More than 400 CFOs and business leaders gathered for the Trends CFO of the Year 2025 Awards, organized by Trends, Trends-Tendances and Kanaal Z, celebrating excellence in financial leadership and strategic vision

The main award was presented to Jean-Philippe Michaux, CFO of the Puratos Group, in recognition of his long-term vision, strategic impact, and strong financial performance over recent years. He succeeds Koen Sticker (Aliaxis), winner of the 2024 edition.

In the CF’Hope of the Year category, which highlights young talents in SMEs and scale-ups, Mathias Christiaens (Pollet Group) and Xavier Deedene (Gantrex Group) were awarded, for the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking regions respectively. Both were praised for their initiative, potential, and agility in helping their organizations navigate a changing environment.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Deals of the Year 2025 to World of Talents, CluePoints, and team.blue, in recognition of high-impact financial transactions that contributed to transformation or expansion.

The nominees and winners were selected by an independent jury, chaired this year by Isabelle Van Iseghem and Maud Larochette, based on a wide range of criteria: financial performance over the last five years, strategic role of the CFO, leadership, professional ethics, communication skills, as well as innovation, sustainability, and ESG focus.

Throughout the evening, discussions highlighted how the CFO role has evolved into a central strategic position, shaping digital transformation, business growth, and responsible governance.

Supported by long-standing partners including BNP Paribas Fortis, Moore Belgium and Robert Half, this event has become a must-attend date in the Belgian economic calendar, showcasing high-level financial expertise in a rapidly evolving world.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s edition in spring!