Rigo Gielen appointed Managing Director of Orange Belgium’s subsidiary BKM, specialized in Unified Communications & Collaboration and ICT solutions

Rigo Gielen is appointed Managing Director of BKM, a nationwide ICT integrator with a solid track record in the SME and corporate markets in Belgium. The acquisition of BKM by Orange Belgium was completed in late July 2019. Thanks to BKM’s Unified Communications & Collaboration and ICT solutions, the acquisition strengthened Orange Belgium’s B2B offering in response to B2B customers’ increasing demand for a single connectivity and ICT provider.

Rigo Gielen started his career in 2002 in Purchasing & Finance Controlling at Dalkia Belux, a member of the Veolia Group. In 2007 he joined Mobistar where over the years he excelled in the management of the transformation of both B2C and B2B distribution channels. His last position at Orange was that of Director Business Sales & Affiliates in combination with the role of Chief Financial Officer at BKM since the takeover by Orange. Rigo holds a Master’s degree in Commercial Engineering, Business Economics and Strategy and is known for his long track record in business excellence, strategic vision and various leadership skills.

BKM’s new Managing Director Rigo Gielen comments: “I am honoured to be appointed as BKM’s new Managing Director to continue to innovate our connectivity solutions portfolio and enrich our B2B offering. The combination of Orange Belgium’s connectivity network and BKM’s ICT network will enable the customers of both companies to benefit from a one-stop-shop ecosystem.”

Werner De Laet, Chief Enterprise Officer at Orange Belgium, welcomes Rigo: “We are pleased to have Rigo on board to lead BKM towards a successful future. With the acquisition of BKM, Orange Belgium welcomed 230 team members with highly skilled ICT profiles. As Managing Director Rigo will further challenge the ICT and connectivity markets and leverage cross-selling opportunities. We would also like to thank Bart Soetaers, former Managing Director of BKM, for his excellent work in founding and managing a strong and successful company.”

Through BKM, Orange Belgium offers high-quality ICT solutions in four separate areas of expertise: Unified Communications & Collaboration (UCC) solutions, IT & security solutions, Document & Visual solutions and Connectivity solutions. Moreover, BKM is a pioneer in cloud UCC solutions. Over the last 25 years, BKM has developed into a reliable reference in the B2B market.

Former BKM Managing Director and founder Bart Soetaers will take up a new role as Business Development Manager within the Orange-BKM structure, where he will develop and secure the acquisition of mid-high SMA & corporate accounts and develop additional business, covering both BKM’s ICT projects & services and Orange connectivity services.