Van de Velde CEO leaves after six months

After just over six months in charge, Peter Corijn is stepping down as CEO of Belgian lingerie group Van de Velde. The current CFO, Karel Verlinde, will take over temporarily.

Immediate departure

Following in the footsteps of former CEO Marleen Vaesen was never going to be easy: she helped the struggling lingerie group recover after the Covid pandemic, but felt it was time to pass the baton early this year. This means that Corijn was given the reins just as the war in Ukraine and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis broke out. As a result, Corijn resigned after just over six months “by mutual agreement”, with immediate effect.

There was clearly a disagreement at the top, as chairman Herman Van de Velde disclosed that “Peter’s expectations did not match Van de Velde’s internal expectations and wishes”. “It has therefore been decided to quickly clarify the situation within the company”, a statement said.

As CEO ad interim, Verlinde says he will “focus on sustainable and profitable growth”. “I was closely involved in the strategic choices that enabled the company to successfully navigate through a difficult period and deliver solid half-year figures,” the newly appointed chief defends his position.