Bekaert appoints De Graeve to succeed De Wilde as ceo

Brussels-NV Bekaert SA's board has appointed Bert De Graeve, currently chief financial and administration officer, to succeed Julien De Wilde, whose mandate as chief executive officer. De Wilde is to stand down from the board of Bekaert-a major producer of steel tyre cord-on 10 May 2006.

With Bert De Graeve as its future ceo, Bekaert has made a clear choice for continuity. His wealth of international experience and the obvious expertise he has demonstrated both previously and in his present function with Bekaert, guarantee the further expansion of our company and the creation of shareholder value,” said Baron Buysse, chairman of Bekaert, in a company statement.