The transition to this new leadership structure has been meticulously prepared over the past two years, ensuring a seamless and stable handover that maintains continuity in our way of working and collaboration with our partners. As chairman, Luc will support Patrick and the leadership team in providing strategic guidance, with the goal of safeguarding imec’s long-term strategy and will especially focus on executive stakeholder management. We sat together for a double interview with Luc Van den hove and Patrick Vandenameele about their perspectives on imec’s leadership transition, long-term strategy, and continued commitment to collaborative innovation with our partners worldwide.
"Luc understood better than anyone that we could only achieve our goals through worldwide collaboration with suppliers, IDMs and foundries."
With these words, Patrick, who will take on the role of CEO in April 2026, honors the legacy of Luc, who has led imec for 17 years.
"His vision and leadership are exactly what imec needs as we enter an era where AI and system technologies are defining the future of our industry."
In turn, Luc explains why Patrick, with a strong background in design and system development, is well positioned to guide imec and its partners into the next phase of innovation.
Luc, you have been leading imec as CEO for 17 years. From April 2026 on, you will take on a new role of Chair of imec’s Board of Directors and hand over the daily leadership of imec to Patrick. Can you elaborate on the preparations preceding this important transition, and what your new role as Chairman will entail?
Luc Van den hove: “Over the past two years, we have meticulously prepared the transition to imec’s new leadership structure, ensuring a seamless and stable handover. Imec is built on a vibrant network of partners that we established over the past 40 years. We are consistently deepening these relationships, which are founded on mutual trust and credibility. Our preparations were aimed at maintaining the continuity of this unique way of collaborating with our valued partner community.
In my new role of Chair of imec’s Board of Directors, I will focus on executive stakeholder management, both locally and internationally. At the same time, I will support Patrick in navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. Together with the Board and imec’s executive management, I will continue to provide strategic guidance and board oversight to help secure imec’s long-term strategy.”
Luc has built considerable credibility in the semiconductor industry based on an impressive track record. He has a strong technology background in e.g. lithography and held various management positions within imec in the domain of Si processing, before becoming CEO of imec in 2009. Patrick, how would you position yourself within the (future) semiconductor ecosystem?
Patrick Vandenameele: “Through Luc’s technological vision and leadership, the entire semiconductor ecosystem has come together at imec to collaborate on the next generation of chips. His expertise helped imec, in tight collaboration with material and equipment suppliers, IDMs, and foundries, solidifying its core technology roadmaps and putting imec at the forefront of global semiconductor R&D.
In recent years, we have seen the semiconductor landscape evolving. Advanced compute applications have grown tremendously, both in number and diversity. At the same time, the technology solutions supporting these compute systems are becoming increasingly complex. To ensure that our technology solutions continue to support the growing application needs, we need to engage in a dialogue between system companies and technology developers and manufacturers. This will allow us to better address critical system scaling bottlenecks and translate application-specific requirements to our core technology roadmaps, through a system-technology co-optimization approach.
I have a solid background in design and system development. This system knowledge combined with our world-leading expertise in semiconductor technologies will keep imec at the forefront of research, innovation and industry impact in this rapidly changing environment driven by the accelerated AI revolution.”
Patrick, can you tell us a little more about yourself? Where does your background in design and system development come from?
Patrick: “I joined imec in 1996 as a PhD researcher in the field of wireless communication, during the heyday of design automation. I obtained my PhD in the design of wireless communication technology.
My PhD was a launchpad for commencing my first startup. In the years to follow, I co-founded multiple startups, three of them relying on imec technology. During the two decades I worked outside of imec, I spent about 50% of my time in startups, and 50% in multinationals that acquired those startups. It was a fascinating time, in many ways. I could help drive technologies forward – all the way from proof-of-concept to products. I have also lived outside of Europe, including residing in the United States with my family. Throughout this period, I maintained active collaboration with imec while working at both small and large companies, which provided me with valuable insight into the requirements of imec's partners.
I re-joined imec in 2017 to further strengthen imec’s startup and venturing activities and to put venturing at the heart of the broader imec strategy. Imec had grown considerably since I completed my PhD, but I still experienced its vibrant atmosphere that I value so much. I re-joined an organization where creativity is encouraged, where agile working is the standard, where young, promising talent is constantly flowing in, and where collaboration with an impressive worldwide partner network is highly valued and based on mutual trust.
Over the years, I moved into various roles in imec’s leadership, helping imec to re-organize and prepare for the future. In my current role as co-COO, Rudi Cartuyvels and I together manage imec’s R&D organization. My focus is on managing imec’s sectors, where we develop industry-specific roadmaps – all the way from the core program research in our compute sector, over the various application sectors and our services organization ‘IC-Link by imec’.”
Luc Van den hove and Patrick Vandenameele.
Luc, why do you think Patrick is the right person to lead imec into its next chapter?
Luc: “From working with Patrick in his various management positions, I have full confidence that he possesses the right skills, the right attitude, the right values and the precise background needed to guide imec forward. His vision and leadership are exactly what imec needs as we enter a new era, an era where AI and system technologies are defining the future of our industry.
In addition to his ability of system-level thinking, I’m convinced that his background in deep-tech entrepreneurship will be of great value to imec. More than before, we see startups becoming an engine of innovation within the semiconductor industry. We see many of our partners innovate through collaboration and, eventually, acquisition of startups – in domains such as memory technology, optical interposers, and AI accelerators. That is why we are also increasing our venturing activities, for which Patrick’s experience and insights will be invaluable.
While Patrick may not have a history in core CMOS process technology, I'm impressed by the learning curve he has shown over the past years. Making him responsible for our various sectors, including the compute sector, made him quickly familiar with the technology and the key players in the industry.”
Patrick, how would you summarise Luc’s impact on imec and its uniqueness?
Patrick: “Today, imec is the world’s largest independent research and innovation center in chip technology and digital technologies. And what made imec unique is its intensive collaboration with an ever-growing ecosystem of partners, in a context of open innovation. Over the years, partners started to entrust us with drawing technology roadmaps ahead of industry needs and exploring various technology options. Luc understood better than anyone that we could only achieve these ambitious, complex and costly goals through worldwide collaboration with suppliers, IDMs and foundries.
The central role that imec was recently given in the EU Chips Act underscores the confidence in imec and its unique way of working. Under Luc’s leadership, the foundation has been laid to create even more impact, both by building on our core strength in semiconductor scaling and by expanding application-oriented research and services and venture creation.
Perhaps less visible are the courageous decisions Luc has made throughout his career, decisions that have marked turning points in the history of imec. For example, in 2003, even before becoming CEO, Luc played a decisive role in the construction of imec's first 300mm fab. This decision was not straightforward at the time and would require huge investments. But in retrospect, it helped securing imec’s future in a semiconductor landscape that was on the eve of transitioning from 200mm to 300mm, driven by the economic pressure to reduce manufacturing cost.
Another example was the merger with the Flemish iMinds in 2016, fusing imec’s hardware technology with iMinds digital and system expertise. When looking back, I dare say that it brought part of the skill set to imec that we now need to enable system-level thinking.
I think Luc’s legacy has grown out of a unique set of skills: apart from his technical proficiency and knowledge of the ecosystem, he is gifted with optimism, courage and ambition in combination with humility. These personal qualities have contributed to a corporate culture that has proven invaluable in navigating this complex semiconductor ecosystem. I am counting on leveraging this legacy by continuing to work closely with Luc in his new role of Chair.”
Patrick, how do you see yourself contributing to imec? What expertise will you add to imec’s story?
Patrick: “Further building on imec’s existing strengths will be key to guarantee the continuity of our successful collaboration model and to continue to deliver impact for our partners.
At the same time, imec stands at a pivotal moment where AI and system technologies are defining the future of our industry. In response to this changing landscape, I believe that my background in design and system development will support imec in broadening our partnerships with fabless and system companies. Speaking their language will help us better understand the system-level requirements, enabling us to make the right decisions when mapping out our technology roadmaps.
In addition, from my previous professional experiences in startups and multinationals, I became familiar with ‘working on the other side’. Also, I understand and empathize with the needs of our partners and startups. My venturing background has given me a deep insight into how to turn ideas into impact. It helps me to focus on the right solutions for our partners’ need. I also learned to identify top talent and provide them with the means to become successful.
But my contribution will always be part of a bigger picture. Imec's future will be driven by our well-coordinated leadership team – of which I am proud to be a part – and by Luc from within his role in the Board. Over the past two years, our team has been preparing imec as an organization responding to the challenges facing the semiconductor industry, and we can already see this re-structured organization at work.”
Luc, what do you identify as the biggest challenges – and opportunities – for imec in the coming years?
Luc: “As explained before, not only imec but the entire semiconductor industry is facing a major challenge: prepare for the next generation of compute systems that have growing and diversifying compute demands. The core technologies needed to enable these future compute systems are becoming increasingly complex. Think about advanced 3D integration techniques, vertically stacked next-gen transistor architectures, or memory technologies moving into the third dimension.
It will be key for imec to keep innovating core technology scaling. And to do that efficiently, we need a broad spectrum of skills that allow us to optimize our way of working: enhance our operational efficiency, further drive platformization, speed up learning cycles (e.g., by embracing AI-based virtual learning), while doubling down on university collaboration and supporting industry with relevant test vehicles.
In addition, we need to ensure that we focus on the right solutions, in support of the tremendous growth and diversification in compute application needs.”
Luc, what would be your advice to the new CEO?
Luc: “I have experienced more than once how a company's culture is partly determined by the intrinsic values of the person leading it. From what I’ve seen, I’m convinced that Patrick possesses the right values to continue imec's corporate culture. Integrity, connectedness, passion and excellence – these are the guiding principles that drive our organization, defining how we treat each other and interact with our partners and the broader community. Keep this positive vibe. And dare to be ambitious: keep setting high standards and turn any challenge into an opportunity. But above all: stay true to yourself and remain humble.”
Luc, Patrick, the CEO’s change will become effective in April 2026. What do you plan to do during the 6 months of leadership transition?
Luc: “Until April 2026, I will continue to lead imec, but I will closely involve Patrick to further prepare him for his future role as CEO and guarantee a smooth transition for imec. Together with the imec management, I will provide strategic guidance in further outlining imec’s long-term strategy. At the same time, I will start engaging more closely with the Board of Directors to settle in my new role as Chair, with focus on executive stakeholder management.”
Patrick: “In the months to come, I will further prepare myself for my new role as CEO, and connect with our partners. Moreover, together with the team, we are strengthening our collaboration with universities and consolidating imec’s focus on early innovation, instrumental for imec’s long-term strategy.”
Patrick, can you conclude this interview with your message towards the partners?
Patrick: “At imec we deeply value our collaboration with each of our partners and do not take their commitment and trust for granted. We will double down on deep innovation to support and inspire their long-term roadmaps and do so in continuous dialogue.”
Bios
Luc Van den hove - President and CEO of imec
Luc Van den hove is President and CEO of imec since July 1, 2009. Before he was executive vice president and chief operating officer. He joined imec in 1984, starting his research career in the field of silicide and interconnect technologies. In 1988, he became manager of imec’s micro-patterning group (lithography, dry etching); in 1996, department director of unit process step R&D; and in 1998, vice president of the silicon process and device technology division. In January 2007, he was appointed as imec's EVP & COO. Luc Van den hove received his PhD in electrical engineering from the KU Leuven, Belgium.
In 2023, he was honored with the Robert N. Noyce medal for his leadership in creating a worldwide research ecosystem in nanoelectronics technology with applications ranging from high-performance computing to health.
In 2025, he was awarded the honorary distinction from the Flemish Community in recognition of his impressive role in strengthening Flanders as a leading innovative region.
He has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications and conference contributions.
Starting in April 2026, he will take on a new role as Chair of imec’s Board of Directors.
Patrick Vandenameele - Executive Vice President & co-Chief Operating Officer, imec
Patrick Vandenameele serves as Executive Vice President and Co-COO of imec where he leads and defines the organization’s R&D strategy and its execution. As chief architect of imec’s research direction, Patrick is responsible for shaping and driving the center’s innovation agenda, ensuring the alignment of research initiatives with emerging market needs, partner priorities and technological frontiers. Previously, as chief portfolio officer at imec until early 2024, he spearheaded strategic initiatives spanning business development, portfolio management, and venture creation.
His leadership underpins imec’s commitment to addressing market-driven application challenges while advancing its world-class technology platforms through targeted internal investments and external collaborations.
Holding a PhD from KU Leuven, Patrick began his journey with imec in 1996, contributing to the wireless communications program. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding and leading several deep-tech ventures, three of which were built on imec technology.
Throughout his career, Patrick has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in senior roles at industry-leading semiconductor companies such as Qorvo and Hisilicon/Huawei. His innovative efforts have culminated in 11 successful product launches and the shipment of over 100 million units globally.
After returning to imec in 2017, prior to his recent roles as part of imec's leadership team, Patrick has been instrumental in scaling its venture development activities, working closely with the deep-tech venturing fund imec.xpand to strengthen imec’s position as a pioneer in technology-driven solutions.
