Antwerp-based supply chain specialist OMP has announced a leadership transition, with Anita Van Looveren stepping down as CEO to become Chairwoman of the Board of Directors on November 1, after nearly 25 years in the CEO role and nearly 40 years at the company. Paul Vanvuchelen, currently Global Delivery Lead, will succeed her as CEO, marking a significant shift aimed at reinforcing OMP’s position in advanced supply chain planning. In her new role, Van Looveren will remain involved in OMP’s strategic direction, working closely with Vanvuchelen to ensure a seamless transition. Outgoing Chair Georges Schepens, the company’s founder, will stay on the Board to support OMP’s continued growth.
Under the leadership of Van Looveren and Schepens, OMP has evolved into a recognised leader in supply chain planning, supporting both established and emerging companies worldwide across life sciences, consumer goods, chemicals, metals, and the paper, plastics, and packaging sectors. Since its founding in 1985, OMP has built a reputation for resilience, helping clients manage the impacts of geopolitical shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic. OMP’s capabilities have earned it repeated recognition, with the company being listed for the ninth consecutive year in the Gartner Magic Quadrant as a leader in advanced supply chain planning, underscoring its innovative approach and industry influence.
As CEO, Vanvuchelen is set to steer OMP through increasingly complex global supply chain challenges. His experience spans over a decade with the company, initially joining as metals industry lead in 2013 before advancing to Global Delivery Lead. Prior to OMP, he held senior leadership roles, including CEO at Aperam Stainless Belgium and Chief Performance Officer at Aperam Global, where he led transformative projects that strengthened supply chain and operational efficiency. His tenure at OMP has been marked by his deep understanding of supply chain dynamics and a drive to integrate digitalisation and automation, with the aim of delivering heightened value and resilience.
Speaking on his new role, Vanvuchelen expressed gratitude to Van Looveren: “It’s an honour to follow in Anita’s footsteps and lead OMP into this next chapter. Supply chain planning has an impact on individuals and industries globally, and we’re committed to enhancing that process daily. This is an exciting time, with continuous change and rapid advancements in technology.”
Anita Van Looveren praised Vanvuchelen’s dedication to the company’s mission, stating, “Paul has been instrumental in encouraging our team to excel and bring tangible value to our clients. I am confident he will continue to drive our goals forward, with each member of our team playing a vital role.”
OMP’s expansion and leadership efforts remain unaltered by the transition, with plans in place to retain the company’s ownership structure. The company’s growth ambitions are bolstered by its global workforce of over 1,200 employees, who contribute to the development and deployment of OMP’s Unison Planning™ solution, the company’s next-generation platform designed to tackle modern supply chain complexities.
The leadership shift reflects OMP’s focus on continuity and a commitment to delivering value to its stakeholders, clients, and the broader industry. With Vanvuchelen at the helm and Van Looveren’s ongoing strategic involvement, OMP is poised to continue leading the supply chain planning sector with a combination of industry expertise and innovative solutions.