Bao Podcast #31 Thomas Vandenbergh (BESIX Group)
Apr 11, 2024
Thomas Vandenbergh, General Manager of BESIX Technology and CEO of BESIX STAY, brings a wealth of knowledge with his PhD in engineering. He discusses transitioning from academia to industry and the challenges of commercializing innovations. Thomas dives into implementing BIM and leading a hospitality business during the COVID crisis, detailing lasting innovations like contactless services. He emphasizes BESIX's evolution towards open innovation and shares insight on investing in startups, urging smaller firms to hone in on niches and adapt to megatrends.
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Early-Stage Structural Lightness Metrics
- Thomas Vandenbergh explains structural optimization uses dimensionless indicators to compare lightness of structural shapes early in design.
- He extended the method in his PhD to include dynamic behavior to avoid vibration problems in lightweight structures.
BIM Sparked A Career Shift
- Thomas recounts being asked to implement BIM at BESIX after joining and spending a week learning what it was.
- That BIM start led him into innovation roles and eventually to corporate venturing and hospitality leadership.
COVID Crisis Management At A‑STAY
- Thomas became A-STAY CEO in January 2020 and faced COVID two months later, forcing crisis management decisions.
- He kept the hotel open, saved one-third of jobs, pivoted to long-stay, and tested contactless tech to survive.
