Dirk has also been instrumental in shaping BIC’s collaboration with the European Commission through two public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting innovation and scaling up in Europe’s bio-based industries.

BIC’s Board of Directors has appointed a Selection Committee and has commissioned Dober Partners to help recruit a dynamic and highly motivated new Director General.

Dirk will spend the rest of his time with BIC continuing to champion Europe’s bio-based industries and helping to ensure a smooth transition when a new Director General is chosen. He will also be available to support the new Director General for a certain period of time to transfer responsibilities, ensuring no disruption in workflow.

Although Dirk will be officially retiring in mid-2026, he will continue to support the bio-based industries where possible by taking a reduced number of projects and roles.