Early Life
Jan Van Geet was born in Dendermonde, Belgium, in 1971. He is the son of Hugo Van Geet. His initial career steps involved working for the diaper manufacturer Ontex, owned by the Van Malderen family, in Buggenhout.
Rise to Success
Van Geet's career took a turn when he moved to the Czech Republic to set up a new factory for Ontex. This experience served as a springboard for his venture into real estate in 2000. He founded VGP, which specializes in developing industrial office parks across 12 European countries. VGP's success is marked by strategic joint ventures, including one with Allianz Real Estate. VGP was listed on the Brussels stock exchange in 2007.
Key Business Strategies
VGP's strategy involves acquiring land, constructing buildings, and managing rental income. The company has expanded its presence significantly, particularly in the German market. Van Geet's leadership has been pivotal in driving strategic decisions, including expansion into new markets and the development of renewable energy solutions. He currently owns a significant stake in the publicly-traded company.
Philanthropy
In 2020, Van Geet launched the VGP Foundation, which invests in social and cultural initiatives, including nature conservation, social projects, and cultural heritage preservation. The foundation invests 2% of VGP’s annual profits in these areas.