Stephan De Brouwer

Stephan was born, raised and trained in a star restaurant. After 1 year in the United States, he decided to become an architect. He managed an architect firm for 10 years, later joining McDonald’s to boost their construction program.

Over 13 years, he rapidly filled additional functions (Real Estate Expansion, Public Affairs, Communication and Strategy) before taking over the role of McDonald’s Belgium CEO, serving for 14 years. Under his leadership, the business tripled in size and McDonald’s became the undisputed Belgium market leader.

Stephan’s success can be explained by his approach to “put the individual at the center” by developing partners’ (not employees) skills, self-confidence and personality, aligned behind a shared objective. Recognizing the guests’ (not customers) concerns and moving the offer and the company practices to a respectful and sustainable reality, while keeping affordable prices.

Stephan also served as board member of industry organizations such as COMEOS (Retail and Services), BEMORA (Chain Restaurant Association), FBF (Franchising Federation) and FEB (Belgium National Enterprises Association). He was the President of COMEOS, the Vice-President of BEMORA and a member of the Strategic Committee of FEB. In addition to those mandates, he has also been on the board of charities such as COCOM Sud and the Belgian Ronald McDonald House Charity.

In 2021, he departed as McDonald’s Belgium CEO and started coaching and mentoring senior managers across industries. He began collaborating with Signium Belgium in 2024.