As I reflect on my ten-year journey with WDP, I am filled with gratitude and pride. My name is Johanna Vermeeren, and I’ve been working as the General Counsel at WDP since 2015. Living in Eppegem, near Mechelen, in Belgium, with my husband Michaël and our two daughters, Julie and Renée, I have found a nice balance between my professional and personal life.

Before joining WDP, I spent several years in consultative roles within the banking and consultancy sectors. However, I realized that my true passion lays in working collaboratively towards a common goal. This realization led me to WDP, where the role of an in-house lawyer offered me the chance to be deeply involved with various departments, engage in strategic thinking, and truly understand the company’s ethos. The short decision-making lines and the opportunity to work closely with management have allowed me to thrive and contribute passionately every day.

At WDP, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and reputable lessor. My role involves ensuring that our stakeholders can trust us to uphold good governance, ethical behavior, and social responsibility. These principles are the foundation of our long-term success and are integral to the relationships we build with everyone involved in our business.

Among the many projects I have been part of, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiative stands out. Launched in 2018 alongside my colleague Joke Cordeels, this project was new territory for us all. Over the years, it has become a core component of our strategy and business, reflecting our commitment to sustainable growth and social responsibility.

Recently, two of my colleagues affectionately described me as ​“an honest penguin.” While I leave the interpretation open to the rest of the team, I believe it speaks to my straightforward and genuine nature. As a team member, I am defined by my dedication to transparency and integrity, values that I hold dear both professionally and personally.

One of my most unforgettable experiences at WDP was when we were named ​“Enterprise of the Year” in 2017. It was a fantastic and proud moment for the entire team. Another memorable incident occurred in 2019 during a management committee meeting. While explaining the impact of WDP’s new legal form, I accidentally referred to Joost and Tony as ​“Toost and Johny,” much to everyone’s amusement.

Outside of work, I cherish every moment with my family. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen with my daughters or playing padel with my husband, I strive to enjoy life to the fullest. I also love taking holidays, dining out with friends, and savoring a quiet Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and an interior design magazine.

As I celebrate this milestone, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that WDP has provided me. Not to forget all of you: fantastic colleagues I love working with. Here’s to many more years of growth, collaboration, and success!