The sudden passing of Louis-Philippe Soenen, CEO of Golfkarton Soenen, on 2025-05-06 20:49:00 has sent ripples through the Belgian business community. Known for his visionary leadership, Soenen was deeply rooted in Hooglede, where his family business has thrived for decades. At 71, his unexpected death came just a day after celebrating a joyful family communion.
- Louis-Philippe Soenen onverwacht overleden op 71-jarige leeftijd
- Transformeerde Golfkarton Soenen met eigen productie
- Breidde bedrijf fors uit tot 100.000 m²
- Dochters en schoonzonen nemen bedrijfsrollen over
- Bekende voor directe communicatie en visie
- Passie voor rally, natuur en familiezorg
Golfkarton Soenen, founded in 1964, blossomed under Louis-Philippe’s guidance from 1980 onwards. His innovative mindset transformed the company from merely folding purchased cardboard to producing its own corrugated cardboard, making it one of Europe’s most modern factories. How will his legacy shape the future of this thriving Belgian enterprise? And what lessons can local entrepreneurs draw from his journey?
Soenen’s leadership style was direct and pragmatic, reflecting his belief in rewarding hard work fairly while maintaining clear communication. His business acumen led to significant expansion, including a second plant in Lanklaar. Key takeaways include:
- Commitment to innovation by investing in production capabilities early on
- Balancing family involvement with professional management roles
- Emphasizing steady growth and strategic planning over rash decisions
- Maintaining strong ties to local community and environment
As the company moves forward, it faces the challenge of honoring Soenen’s vision while adapting to evolving market demands. Will his successors continue to innovate and expand? Belgian entrepreneurs and communities alike can find inspiration in his story, encouraging resilience and forward-thinking in uncertain times.
