Steven Wallays appointed as new CEO of Ingenium

In recent years, Ingenium has experienced significant growth and strengthened its position as an independent, leading engineering firm specializing in energy and sustainability in buildings. Ingenium has also expanded its reach throughout Flanders, Brussels, and the French-speaking region of Belgium.  In certain market segments—such as hospitals, data centers, laboratory buildings, and industrial projects—Ingenium is capturing an increasingly significant market share. Ingenium has also demonstrated its innovative strength by developing and introducing various pioneering digital projects to the market.

Today, Ingenium possesses extensive expertise in all matters related to sustainability, safety, and comfort in and around buildings. The strategy for the coming years is focused on further strengthening that expertise, deepening collaboration between the various areas of expertise—both internally and externally—and sustainably expanding Ingenium’s position in Belgium.

Following the sudden and far-too-early passing of Jan Desmet on July 18, 2025, the Board of Directors began searching for a new CEO with a strong professional background in our sector and extensive experience in general management, business development, and leading diverse teams.

Steven Wallays is an architect with a master’s degree in environmental sciences, and served as a director at VK Architects & Engineers for more than 20 years. In that capacity, he experienced and shaped VK’s expansion and growth firsthand, leading bilingual and multidisciplinary teams. Following SWECO’s acquisition of VK, Steven became a director at Sweco Architects NV.  As a result, he combines industry knowledge with experience in leading and organizing a broad consulting department in a market-oriented manner.

Nicolas Vyncke, who temporarily resumed the role of “ CEO ” following Jan’s passing, is stepping aside once again to resume his role as executive chairman of the family business (“keeper of the house”), with his priorities focused on safeguarding Ingenium’s family DNA, supporting the company’s overall strategy for the future, and maintaining long-term customer relationships.

With Steven, we are choosing a “ CEO ” who knows the market and our business well and who has experience with the challenges of a multidisciplinary consulting firm. He understands the value of substantive expertise, but also what it takes to translate that expertise into a clear market position and healthy, sustainable growth. The Board of Directors and the shareholder have confidence in Steven’s expertise and motivation as he leads this unconventional engineering firm as its architect. The Board of Directors is committed to coaching and supporting Steven in implementing the strategic plan for the coming years.

Nicolas Vyncke, Chair of the Ingenium Board of Directors

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Ingenium has a solid, warm, and sincere reputation, supported by strong employees and loyal customers. The combination of sustainable values, in-depth expertise, entrepreneurship, short decision-making chains, and the freedom to make a real impact immediately appealed to me. I also feel a great deal of trust from the shareholder and the Board of Directors. There is a clear and ambitious plan for Ingenium’s continued sustainable growth, and I look forward to working on it together with the executive team and all my colleagues.

Steven Wallays, CEO Ingenium