Top 10 Richest Men In Belgium According To Forbes (2025)

Belgium, a country famous for its medieval towns, chocolates, waffles, and being the de facto capital of the European Union, also has its fair share of billionaires. While the country may not have the same number of ultra-rich individuals as the United States or China, its billionaires are nonetheless highly influential in both the domestic and global economy.

From beer magnates and automotive heirs to tech innovators and logistics tycoons, Belgium’s wealthiest men span a variety of industries. Their stories reflect not only business acumen but also Belgium’s position in global trade, manufacturing, and finance.

Let’s dive into the Top 10 Richest Men in Belgium in 2025, based on Forbes’ rankings.

1. Eric Wittouck – $9 Billion

• Age: 78

• Industry: Finance & Investments

• Source of Wealth: Investments

Eric Wittouck is without a doubt the king of Belgian wealth in 2025. His fortune comes largely from savvy investment strategies, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Wittouck has a background in sugar refining, but over the years, he shifted heavily into investments, particularly in Luxembourg-based companies.

He maintains a low profile, rarely appearing in the media, yet his influence in the finance world is undeniable. Wittouck’s ability to diversify his portfolio and adapt to global market trends has made him a textbook example of how old wealth can remain relevant in a fast-changing economy.

2. Fernand Huts – $4.7 Billion

• Age: 74

• Industry: Logistics

• Source of Wealth: Logistics & Transportation

Fernand Huts made his fortune in logistics through his company Katoen Natie, which operates massive storage, packaging, and transportation services worldwide. From ports in Belgium to facilities in Latin America and Asia, his empire plays a crucial role in global supply chains.

Huts is known for his outspoken personality and deep involvement in Antwerp’s cultural scene. His leadership has turned Katoen Natie into one of the most respected names in logistics, proving that Belgium’s strategic location as a European trade hub still creates vast wealth.

3. Nicolas D'Ieteren – $4.3 Billion

• Age: 49

• Industry: Automotive

• Source of Wealth: Auto Parts & Distribution

Nicolas D'Ieteren belongs to one of Belgium’s most prestigious business families. The D'Ieteren Group has been synonymous with the automotive industry in Belgium for over a century. The company is the official distributor for major car brands and has also expanded into automotive glass manufacturing through its subsidiary Belron (known for brands like Carglass).

Young, dynamic, and forward-thinking, Nicolas has been steering the family business toward new markets, including mobility services and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

4. Alexandre Van Damme – $3.5 Billion

• Age: 62

• Industry: Food & Beverage

• Source of Wealth: AB InBev (Beer Empire)

Alexandre Van Damme’s fortune is tied to AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company and home to iconic brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. Van Damme, a long-time board member, played a pivotal role in building AB InBev’s global dominance through mergers and acquisitions.

While he now resides mostly abroad for tax reasons, his Belgian roots remain strong. His story illustrates how Belgium, despite its small size, has produced one of the world’s most influential beverage giants.

5. Catheline Perier D'Ieteren – $3.1 Billion

• Age: 80

• Industry: Automotive

• Source of Wealth: Auto Parts & Distribution

Catheline Perier D'Ieteren is another major shareholder in the D'Ieteren Group, making her one of Belgium’s wealthiest individuals. Although less publicly involved in the day-to-day operations compared to Nicolas, her substantial holdings in the company keep her high on the billionaire list.

Her fortune highlights the generational wealth and stability that comes from long-standing family-owned businesses in Belgium.

6. Segolene Gallienne – $3.1 Billion

• Age: 47

• Industry: Manufacturing & Investments

• Source of Wealth: Steel & Investments

Segolene Gallienne’s wealth comes from Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL), one of Europe’s largest investment holding companies, which has stakes in companies across multiple industries including energy, luxury goods, and chemicals. She inherited her stake from her late father and has continued to expand her portfolio.

Gallienne represents a younger generation of Belgian billionaires who blend traditional industry with modern investment strategies.

7. Fabien Pinckaers – $3 Billion

• Age: 46

• Industry: Technology

• Source of Wealth: Software

Fabien Pinckaers is a self-made tech billionaire, best known as the founder of Odoo, an open-source business software suite used by millions of companies worldwide. His rise to billionaire status demonstrates Belgium’s growing role in the global tech scene.

Unlike many of the country’s wealthiest, Pinckaers didn’t inherit a fortune but built his from the ground up, proving that innovation still has the power to create new empires in a country known for old money.

8. Theo Roussis – $2.9 Billion

• Age: 71

• Industry: Manufacturing

• Source of Wealth: Plastics

Theo Roussis made his fortune through Ravago, a company specializing in plastics production, recycling, and distribution. The company operates on a global scale, supplying industries ranging from automotive to construction.

Roussis’ leadership transformed Ravago from a small Belgian business into a global plastics giant, showcasing Belgium’s industrial strength beyond beer and chocolate.

9. Gerald Frere – $2.7 Billion

• Age: 73

• Industry: Manufacturing & Investments

• Source of Wealth: Steel & Investments

Gerald Frere, another member of Belgium’s powerful Frere family, has extensive holdings in steel, energy, and finance. He has long been associated with Groupe Bruxelles Lambert and is known for his strategic, low-profile approach to wealth management.

His fortune represents the enduring influence of Belgium’s industrial era magnates, many of whom have successfully adapted to the globalized economy.

10. Pierre van der Mersch & Family – $2.4 Billion

• Age: 90

• Industry: Finance & Investments

• Source of Wealth: Investments

Pierre van der Mersch is one of Belgium’s oldest billionaires, with a portfolio that spans various sectors. His wealth is primarily investment-based, built over decades of careful financial stewardship.

Even at 90, his influence in Belgian finance circles remains strong, and his legacy will likely continue through family holdings.

Final Thoughts

The stories of Belgium’s richest men (and a few women who made the list) highlight the diversity of wealth sources in the country—from age-old family businesses in automotive and manufacturing to innovative tech start-ups and global logistics empires.

Belgium may not have the population or landmass of the world’s largest economies, but it punches far above its weight in producing billionaires with global influence. Whether it’s through brewing beer enjoyed on every continent, managing supply chains that keep the world running, or developing software that powers modern businesses, these individuals shape industries far beyond Belgian borders.

One striking observation is the balance between inherited wealth and self-made success. While many names on this list come from established business dynasties like the D'Ieteren, Gallienne, and Frere families, others—like Fabien Pinckaers—represent a new wave of tech-driven entrepreneurship.

Belgium’s position as a hub for commerce, politics, and culture in Europe means we can expect its wealthy elite to remain globally relevant for years to come.