Veerle Slenders joined Belgium’s advanced materials and recycling group Umicore three years ago. A former chemical engineer by training, she is now EVP of Specialty Materials, one of the company’s divisions that also include battery materials solutions, catalysis and recycling.
Responsible for the group’s environment footprint, health and safety protocols, she combines technical know-how with a strong belief that purpose matters more than titles.
“I realized quite early on that combining technical depth with working closely with people is where I thrive,” she says. “That’s where I found my purpose.”
Her first general manager role proved a turning-point as it gave her a clear understanding of what leadership truly means. “It’s about bringing people together around a common goal,” she explains. “And about trust, clarity and being present. If I go through a day without connecting with people it’s not a good day for me.”
For Slenders, leadership is defined not by position but by intentions and the everyday choices she makes: “In my twenties, it was about learning. Later, it became about recognition. Today, success is about making a difference for someone else, sharing what I’ve learned and helping others grow.”
“It doesn’t matter what you do,” she continues. “What matters is doing the ordinary extraordinarily well. That’s where purpose lives.”
Founded in 1989, Umicore generates the majority of its revenues from clean technologies, including recycling, emission control catalysts, materials for rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics.
Ranked as one of the world's most sustainable companies by Canadian media organisation Corporate Knights, it is the largest recycler of precious metals and batteries from laptops, mobile phones and and hybrid electric vehicles.
Over 10,000 employees worldwide produced €3.6 billion in revenue in 2025 and a net profit of €288 million. Umicore 2026 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization is forecast at just over €1 billion.
