An active member of the Wiener-Anspach Foundation from its early days – first as a Trustee, then as its Executive Director from 1973 until 2002, and finally as its President for more than ten years – Professor Jean-Victor Louis decided to step down from his position this year. At the last Board meeting, on June 18, he was replaced by Pierre Francotte, Professor at the Solvay Brussels Schools of Economics and Management and a Trustee of Belfius Bank.
Pierre Francotte, who has been a Trustee of the Foundation since 2004, is also one of its Alumni: after having completed a Master in Law at the ULB, he studied at Cambridge University, where he obtained a Diploma in Comparative Legal Studies in 1981.
On June 18, Professor Louis highlighted the progress made over the years by the Foundation and praised the clear-sightedness and determination of its founder, Mrs Beddington, who in the 1960’s understood the importance of strengthening the bond between Belgium and the United Kingdom, then not yet a member of the European Economic Community.
The Foundation wishes to express its warmest thanks to Professor Louis for his long years of devotion to the project and the spirit of Mrs Beddington. The insightfulness and generosity that have always guided his actions will certainly be of inspiration to his successors.