Johan Thijs: Steering KBC to Continued Success

Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, is one of Europe’s most successful corporate leaders. Under his guidance, the group has flourished as a top player in banking and insurance, all while remaining firmly rooted in his values-driven leadership.

A Transformative Journey to Leadership

Thijs has long been regarded as a transformative leader. Since taking the helm in 2012, he has guided KBC through an era of unprecedented change and challenge in the banking and insurance sectors, all while maintaining the company’s steady growth trajectory. He has been recognised three times by Harvard Business Review in its survey of the world’s top ten CEOs.

Thijs’s academic foundation in applied mathematics and actuarial sciences from the University of Leuven shaped his analytical approach to management. His early career at KBC began in the actuarial department of ABB Insurance (now KBC Insurance), where his mathematical expertise quickly caught attention. Thijs further honed his leadership skills through the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School in 2008.

Driving Transformation at KBC

When Johan Thijs became CEO, the financial services industry was recovering from the global financial crisis. Thijs saw this as an opportunity to rebuild trust and create a customer-centric organisation known for integrity, transparency, and innovation.

Under his leadership, KBC evolved from a traditional bank-insurer into a forward-thinking, digitally driven financial institution. Early investments in technology, including mobile banking apps and AI-driven customer service, have made KBC one of Europe’s most digitally advanced financial institutions. Thijs’s belief that technology should serve people—not replace them—has ensured that KBC maintains high levels of customer satisfaction while embracing innovation.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Johan Thijs has made sustainability a cornerstone of KBC’s strategy. The group has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into its operations, reflecting Thijs’s belief that financial institutions have a duty to lead in sustainability. KBC was one of the first financial institutions to offer sustainable investment funds to retail clients, a segment that has grown rapidly under Thijs’s leadership.

KBC is also focused on reducing its environmental footprint and investing responsibly. Thijs has consistently emphasised that sustainable practices are not just ethical but essential for long-term growth.

Openness and Dialogue

Despite his high-profile role, Thijs is known for his humility and approachability. He fosters a culture of openness and dialogue at KBC, encouraging innovation and employee empowerment. “Being a leader,” Thijs has said, “is not just about making the right decisions, but about fostering a culture where people feel empowered to innovate and improve.”

The Future of KBC Group

Looking ahead, Johan Thijs envisions steady, responsible growth for KBC. The group is focused on strengthening its presence in Belgium and Central and Eastern Europe while maintaining leadership in digital innovation and sustainable finance.

Thijs’s balanced approach—combining ethics with innovation—has positioned KBC as a leader in the financial services industry. His commitment to core values ensures that KBC remains a trusted and forward-thinking organisation.