Piet Steel

Piet Steel, a retired Belgian Ambassador, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience from his tenure spanning 1975 and 1997, during which he held key positions in London, Geneva, Hanoi and Hong Kong.

Upon retirement from the Foreign Service in 1997, Piet assumed the position of Director Public Affairs of the Solvay Group (Belgium), where he oversaw global government affairs for the chemical and pharmaceutical company.

In 2005, Piet made a transition to Toyota Motor Europe, taking on the role of Vice-President of External Affairs. In this capacity, he managed government relations in Europe and the EU.
Recognized for his contributions, the Government of Japan appointed him in 2010 as the Honorary Consul General for the Flanders region.

Drawing on his extensive international experience and networks in Europe and Asia, Piet serves as a trusted advisor to Belgian and international companies. He is the founder Piet Steel International bv, a consultancy company.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Piet actively participates in social and societal organisations, holding various roles, including Honorary Chairman of the Belgium Hong Kong Society, Co-founder of the Belgium Vietnam Alliance, and President (Ret.) of the Board Special Olympics Belgium.

He is also involved in international platforms, serving a Director of the Board of Special Olympics, Inc. (US), Member of the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion (US), Member of the Board of the International Polar Foundation, and Vice President of the strategic Council of the Belgian Polar Secretariat, which manages the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station.

Piet’ s affiliations extend to appointments as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow of the European Business School of Regent’s University (London), Honorary Professor of Xi’an (China) University for International Studies, Member of the International Advisory Council of the American European Community Association and Advisor to the Brussels Diplomatic Academy.

Recognized for his humanitarian efforts, Piet received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award of the Lions International. He is an active member of the Warande Club in Brussels, the Hong Kong Club and member of the Ad Hoc Council (London).

Born in 1950, Piet is married to Carine Van Leene with two daughters and four grandchildren. He holds a Law Degree from the University of Ghent (Belgium).