Piet Steel joins FIPRA as Special Advisor

We are pleased to welcome Piet Steel as a Special Advisor. With a career spanning diplomacy, corporate affairs, and trade negotiations, Piet brings a wealth of experience that will further strengthen FIPRA’s expertise in advising global clients. "My goal is to leverage my diplomatic and corporate experience, along with my networks, to position FIPRA as the top choice for Asian companies in Brussels," said Piet.

Piet has extensive experience working with major Japanese corporations, including Toyota and Kaneka, and possesses deep sectoral knowledge in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. As a former Belgian trade negotiator, Piet brings valuable trade expertise, having provided strategic advice to companies like MSD Merck Vietnam during the negotiations of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Piet’s career highlights include serving as a Belgian diplomat and ambassador from 1975 to 1997, followed by corporate leadership roles at multinational companies like Solvay Group and Toyota Motor Europe. In 2010, he was appointed Honorary Consul General for Flanders.

"We are thrilled to have Piet join our team," said Erik Jonnaert, Chairman, FIPRA. "His extensive experience in international trade, combined with his expertise in advising business across different sectors, will greatly benefit our clients as they navigate complex global markets."

Piet actively contributes to global initiatives, including his roles on boards of Special Olympics International, Inc. (US) and the International Polar Foundation. He is vice-President of the Strategic Council of the Belgian Polar Secretarial, managing the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Piet has been recognised with numerous honours, including the Friendship Medal from the Government of Vietnam and the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Piet has held key academic and advisory roles, including Member of the International Advisory Council of the American European Community, and holds a law degree from Ghent University.