Creative Souls and Community Hearts: The Inspiring Faces of De Hoorn Leuven
Naïg Vroman
Naïg Vroman, a true Leuvenaar, is one of the pillars of De Hoorn. From day one, Naïg has been nurturing the workspace and community here. As the go-to hostess, she brings the people together who work and live here, fostering warm connections. Naïg excels in stimulating interactions among members and orchestrating events like workshops and talks. Her role as the internal community manager makes her 'the voice' of De Hoorn, creating a workspace with a personal touch.
Charlotte De Roey & Yannick De Pauw
Known affectionately as ‘Het Hoorn Koppel,’ Charlotte and Yannick have long been members of De Hoorn. While Yannick serves as a marketing manager at madewithlove, and Charlotte heads HR at TinkerList, they also write engaging travel blogs under Somsookheimwee.be. Proud parents to Sue, their journey at De Hoorn extends beyond their professional lives. They're often seen enjoying a Stella at the Bar and actively participate in De Hoorn's bootcamp club.
Steven Deleus & Stef Hillewaere
Steven and Stef, affectionately dubbed as 'De Dino’s van De Hoorn,' are the original ambassadors of this space. They were here even before the first office manager was hired. As active networkers, they frequently bring clients to enjoy the hospitality of the Bar & Resto. Stef, a photographer and co-founder of Altera, and Steven, a digital matchmaker at Vector Bross, are not only professionals but also good friends, fostering numerous collaborations within the Workspace.
Ellen Mandoux
Ellen, known to many as a staff member at AG Stadsontwikkeling Leuven, shines bright as one of the most cheerful patrons of De Hoorn. Her journey with De Hoorn is a story of celebration, from her wedding in De Brouwzaal to her regular attendance at events like Santé and Club Royal. Always ready to dance, Ellen exemplifies the joy and community spirit of De Hoorn. Meanwhile, this proud Leuvenaar, together with her love Simon, has welcomed two more children and is once again planning a big celebration in our event hall, this time for their 10th wedding anniversary.
Fred Gata
Fred Gata is the epitome of a creative polymath. As a DJ, rapper, photographer, singer/songwriter, and producer, Fred brings a unique energy to De Hoorn. His Rwandese-Belgian heritage infuses his work with soulful sounds and innovative artistry. Behind the bar, Fred's smooth rhymes are as much a part of the service as the drinks he serves. His upcoming solo EP "You, The Rising Sun" is eagerly anticipated by the community. In his words; "It's all about giving the people a good time!"
Els Martens
After graduating as a business engineer, specialized in logistics and operational management, Els started her career in the magical year of 2000 at the former Interbrew. Throughout the last 23 years, she has taken on various roles within the brewery, always focusing on logistics and the supply of Stella Artois and other beers. Today, Els shines as the logistics manager of the Leuven brewery. She oversees the entire logistics process, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of Stella Artois to the valued customers worldwide. Her dedication and expertise play a crucial role in the seamless and punctual distribution of Stella Artois across the globe.
Gie Raeymakers
Café AperO, Rumba & Co, Bar del Sol, Leuven Central... Each one a landmark in the vibrant day and nightlife of Leuven. The driving force behind all these bustling ventures is Gie, also known as the Horeca Hero, a driven pioneer in the hospitality industry with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. However, Gie is not only driven by the hospitality bug; his true passion lies in creating unique and relaxing moments that bring people together in the heart of Leuven.
Janik Deryt
With a grandfather running Café Champignon on the Oude Markt and a dad dedicating 40 years to AB Inbev, Janik's love for beer seems to run in the family. After 12 years as a hospitality representative for AB Inbev, this proud Leuvenaar is now responsible for national events and festivals. And as if that weren't enough, Janik has the honor of continuing the work of Guy Vanautgaerden as the ambassador of AB Inbev in Leuven, closely collaborating with the city and its services. Serving as the point of contact for square activities in Leuven and supporting around 150 charities, he seamlessly combines his work with his passion for Stella Artois. Juggling phone calls and enjoying a delightful pint are part of his daily tasks. Cheers!
Tom Robberechts
Tom Robberechts is a true 'Kesseleer' and father of two beautiful daughters: Sterra (named after Stella, the Latin word for star) and Mane. Embarking on his career with AB Inbev in 2001 as a member of the global marketing team, Tom has been the driving force behind visits and events at the illustrious Stella Artois brewery for the past 20 years. But that's not all! As a zythologist and hobby brewer, he harbors a slightly off-kilter passion for beer. It's safe to say that Stella Artois is deeply embedded in his DNA. A match made in hoppy heaven!
Guy Vanautgaerden
As a living encyclopedia of the Artois brewery, Guy effortlessly immerses you in his passionate tales about de Hoorn and its pivotal role in the development of our beloved Leuven pride, Stella Artois. His impressive knowledge was accumulated during an astounding 34-year (!) career at breweries Artois. In 1988, he joined the sales team, where he played an indispensable role in maintaining relationships with the Leuven hospitality sector and the political and socio-cultural world. Even in his well-deserved retirement, Guy continues to dedicate himself wholeheartedly. He has enthusiastically delved into the creation of a museum devoted to the delightful, golden brew. It's often said that Stella Artois flows through Guy's veins...