PR and strategic communications agency Bepublic Group announces the arrival of two new communications experts: Liedewij Verbiest and Dominiek Saelens. Starting 1 January 2023 Liedewij Verbiest will take up a leadership role within Bepublic Group. Together with Ken Standaert, she will manage the team of PR consultants at Bepublic and Bereal (real estate communication). Dominiek Saelens joins the team as an expert in crisis communication, employer branding and strategic communications.
“Liedewij and Dominiek are a real asset to our team. Their expertise perfectly complements the knowledge and experience of our PR consultants. We are therefore very pleased that they decided to join us and contribute their passion and drive for communication to our clients. Liedewij will take on a managerial role and co-manage the team, while Dominiek will be part of the senior team of PR experts called upon for specific client communications.”
Sara Vercauteren and Anja Peleman, managing directors Bepublic Group
Liedewij Verbiest studied Communication Management at Arteveldehogeschool in Ghent. She started her career as a project manager at financial services provider Ventures4Growth and then at Balls&Glory, Wim Ballieu’s restaurant chain. But she was drawn to PR. At HR company Partena Professional, she took her first steps into the world of PR. Afterwards, she gained additional PR experience at Weber Shandwick and Famous Relations. Liedewij will start at Bepublic Group from 1 January 2023 as Team Lead and Senior PR consultant.
“I am very excited to start 2023 at this strong company. The varied and interesting client portfolio guarantees an exciting and ambitious year. With hands-on PR advice, I want to help write Bepublic Group’s strong story together with the team.”
Liedewij Verbiest
Dominiek Saelens studied at the Royal Military School of Belgium, Ghent University and subsequently held numerous communication positions in Defence. Among other things, he specialised in employer branding and crisis communication. He has also been a practice lecturer at Ghent University for many years, where he introduces students to the world of strategic and crisis communication and communication management for large organisations, among other things. He joined Bepublic Group last month.
“I am delighted to be part of such a young, dynamic and interdisciplinary team as Bepublic. The first meeting with my enthusiastic colleagues immediately convinced me that together we will carve out great communications for our clients in 2023. This will undoubtedly be a new, beautiful and exciting professional challenge.”
Dominiek Saelens
In addition to the arrival of Liedewij and Dominiek, Ann Van Mullem, until now business manager of Bepublic, will have a new role within the PR and strategic communications agency. Ann will oversee the business of Bepublic, Bereal (real estate communication) and Befirm (financial communication) as Head of PR from January 2023.