An agent of change and innovation in the service of the general interest!

This week, we wanted to honor a man who, on a professional level, took a bow last year. And what a bow it was!

It is only natural that an award for "The Tribute in Leadership" was given to this man at the last LOBBY AWARDS ceremony. That award winner is Luc Tayart. You probably know this name. And for good reason... He spent 27 years at the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF)! Focus on an extraordinary personality.

Under the leadership of Luc Tayart de Borms (his full name), the Foundation has changed its face, becoming a European philanthropic giant with a billion and a half euros in equity, compared to 80 million when he took office. That says it all!

Spending more than a quarter of a century at the head of a prominent institution inevitably leaves its mark on you. And, as those who have lived through this event know, when it comes to an end, there is often a feeling of loss. However, with philosophy, our interlocutor of the week felt above all a certain relief: "I certainly don't miss the operational side of things and HR," he declared at the outset, before counterbalancing: "On the other hand, the Foundation's action themes and the reflection that accompanies them, that's good. It is clear that Tayart is a man of commitment... and will certainly remain so in his new life!

Before continuing on our path, it is perhaps useful to recall here what the King Baudouin Foundation is. And what are, as Luc Tayart says very well, its themes of action. On its website, the noble institution defines itself as follows: "The King Baudouin Foundation's mission is to contribute to a better society in Belgium, Europe and elsewhere in the world. The Foundation is an agent of change and innovation in the service of the general interest and social cohesion. We seek to maximize our impact by building the capacity of organizations and individuals who contribute to a better society. We encourage effective philanthropy by individuals and companies in Belgium, Europe and the world. Our programs are long term and cover social justice and poverty, health, heritage and culture, societal engagement, international, education and talent development, Europe, climate, environment and biodiversity. That sounds comprehensive. But the site also insists on the values of the institution. These are obviously of the utmost importance to the institution and fall into four categories: integrity and transparency, pluralism and independence, respect for diversity, and the promotion of solidarity. So many values and criteria that Luc Tayart has rightly prided himself on during his long years at the head of the Foundation.

With his brilliant career at the FRB under his belt, Luc Tayart is clear-sighted and says it straightforwardly: "The Foundation needed a new captain with a radar adapted to the 21st century". And so, in May 2022, the man who had brilliantly succeeded my late father, Michel Didisheim, left his place to Brieuc Van Damme. A successor about whom the young retiree is full of praise: "His qualities, his intelligence, his sensitivity and his interest in societal problems have left their mark. Moreover, he studied at the College of Europe, lived in Africa, and is perfectly bilingual, with a mother from Liège and a father from Bruges. So he was tailor-made for the job. Moreover, he is the same age as I was when I started...". The best is yet to come for the FRB!