Meet Edouard Vanrenterghem

A blitz start – that’s the best way to describe Edouard’s first years at AQUALEX. A rise-to-the-top story that began in September 2018. At that time, he was in his final year of SME Management at Artevelde University College and had secured an internship at AQUALEX. His task? Scheduling maintenance and creating technical documentation for all devices. Edouard found it enjoyable, but he turned down AQUALEX's offer to join full-time after his studies. He was ambitious and looking for a bigger challenge.

Intern to Team Leader

Alexander, CEO of AQUALEX, didn’t give up and came up with an alternative plan to convince Edouard. In April 2019, it was time: AQUALEX had just secured a major project for Watergroep and proposed that Edouard manage it as a project manager.

Edouard accepted the job with enthusiasm and successfully fulfilled it to everyone’s satisfaction. So well, in fact, that in September 2020, Alexander suggested Edouard become the team leader of the administrative team. A strange situation for Edouard, as he was now leading Amigeau’s who had previously trained him as an intern. He was concerned about their reactions, but they fully supported his appointment.

Typical AQUALEX

Barely two months later, AQUALEX launched a recruitment process for a new COO. They wanted someone with proven experience. Hundreds of impressive resumes poured in. But Alexander hesitated and, after careful consideration, made an unorthodox yet very typical AQUALEX decision: he appointed Edouard as the new COO. “When I heard the news, I was stunned. Never did it cross my mind that I would be considered for the role.” But, Edouard thought, you don’t pass up such an opportunity, and at 25, he became the new COO of AQUALEX.

Learning at a Rapid Pace

Alexander set one condition: to compensate for his lack of experience, Edouard had to learn quickly. He was given numerous books to read and had to attend several training courses. At Acta, AQUALEX's regular training partner, he worked on his leadership and communication skills through an extensive program. Alongside the management team, he attended Vlerick's MIGMO program on growth management for medium-sized enterprises. Edouard finds all of it fantastic. “But I am fully aware that I still need to grow a lot, and there’s a long road ahead.”

Safety Net and Problem Solver

The team under Edouard’s supervision is very diverse and consists of 34 Amigeau’s: about 20 technicians, six administrative employees, some logistics personnel, IT specialists, and one purchasing manager. His main task? Driving the teams forward in their growth. To achieve this, he streamlined the structure, introduced an evaluation system, and professionalized the training process.

In addition, Edouard acts as a safety net. “When there are problems that deviate from the norm and they can’t go to a colleague, they come to me. It’s often said here: if there’s a problem, call Eddy (Edouard’s nickname at AQUALEX). He’ll know what to do with it.”

From Midwife to Project Manager

Except for roles like IT specialist, competencies, education, and knowledge play a secondary role when hiring new people. What matters more is their Amigeau spirit: their drive, flexibility, and eagerness to learn. “Take Bo,” says Edouard. “She had only worked as a midwife in her career, yet she applied for the role of project manager. Hiring her was a risk, but during the interviews, it was clear she had the right attitude and capabilities. So, she got the job.”

Edouard personally

• Edouard lives in Sint-Eloois-Vijve, a district of Waregem.
• He grew up on a farm in Aarsele, a district of Tielt, where he spent his childhood surrounded by cows, pigs, and expansive fields.
• In his youth, he was a football player but also an avid gamer. He played all kinds of games, such as World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and so on. Instead of gaming, he now watches a lot of Netflix. Recommended by him: *Game of Thrones*, *Vikings*, and *Drive to Survive*. Thanks to the latter documentary, he now watches Formula 1 in a different way.
• He doesn’t have a favorite music group, but he is a passionate festival-goer. Techno, house, hardcore, rock – he’s into all genres.
• Favorite meal: classic farmer’s food, such as steak with salad, fries, and pepper sauce.