From theory to practice
Christophe understands the importance of seizing opportunities. With a degree in civil engineering and earning a PhD in mathematical engineering techniques, he joined ArcelorMittal Belgium as a specialist in 'systems and models'. His mission? To develop mathematical models to optimize business processes. "It was hugely satisfying to put my knowledge into practice and at the same time have an impact on quality, delivery times, and energy consumption," he says.
After seven years, Christophe made the leap to production. He became production manager of the autonomous pickling line in the cold rolling mill, where he managed a team of 100 colleagues. "That period taught me not only a lot about the importance of safety and reliability of installations, but also about leadership and teamwork," he reflects.
And it didn't stop there. 5 years later, he took on a similar role in the steel shop, the beating heart of the company, where liquid hot metal from the blast furnaces is converted into steel. "It was a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons and lead a diverse team of 175 people," he explains.
Today, Christophe heads the department that focuses on the environment, energy, CO₂, and circularity. "These are the themes of the future. It's challenging, educational, and has a major impact. That's what gives me energy," he concludes.