Alain Hellebaut is stepping down as CEO of the Belgian Garden Center Holding (GCH), the parent company of Oh’Green, after two years in charge. He was responsible for the acquisition of Pelckmans.
Acquisition and restructuring
Hellebaut was appointed to streamline Oh’Green, the main entity within GCH, in June 2023. His period in charge was marked by restructuring, strategic alignment and commercial optimisation. Now that this phase is over, Hellebaut is leaving the garden retailer, as he announced himself via LinkedIn.
“Over the past two years, we’ve achieved many milestones, which I look back on with great pride together with the teams of Oh’Green and Pelckmans”, Hellebaut reminisces on the platform. Some if his major achievements include the acquisition and integration of the Pelckmans group and the rebranding of Delbard Frameries.
Increase in revenue
Hellebaut says the efforts translated into impressive results. “A significant increase in turnover vs. 2024 and compared to historical performance”, he states, albeit without mentioning specific figures. “More customers in the stores, a higher average basket size, greater volume, especially in the key ‘garden’ category, but also within ‘lifestyle’.”
Hellebaut started his role at GCH after his departure from Maxi Toys, where he oversaw the chain’s integration into King Jouet in 2022. He also previously took the lead as executive chairman at fashion group FNG, during a time of crisis. The future is now open, Hellebaut says: “From now on, I look forward to the next challenge in my career.” GCH has not yet announced a successor.
