Immobel's Board of Directors announces the appointment of Rikkert Leeman as Chief Executive Officer of the Immobel group. He will succeed Adel Yahia, who will step down as CEO and leave the group on 1 September 2026 following a transition period. This appointment marks the next phase in Immobel's development, as the group focuses on disciplined delivery of its portfolio and selective, partnership-led growth.
Under this model, Immobel will continue to create value as a developer while increasingly partnering with institutional and strategic investors through forward sales, co-investment structures, public-private partnerships and phased capital commitments. Over 2026 and 2027, Immobel will focus on completing, leasing and realising value from its current portfolio, while maintaining rigorous capital allocation across its markets. The group will continue to develop its Belgian residential platform, while managing its office platforms in Luxembourg and Paris city center with a focus on asset quality, leasing momentum and value realisation.
The Board sought a leader able to combine strategic vision, commercial drive, financial judgement and execution discipline within the governance framework of a listed company.
Rikkert Leeman brings more than twenty years of leadership experience across listed and private real estate. As CEO of Alides REIM, he helped build the company into a leading Belgian real estate player with international activities in Poland and Luxembourg. His profile combines development and investment expertise, financial structuring capability, and a strong grounding in ESG and governance.
A transition period will be organised in close coordination with the Board and Executive Committee to ensure full continuity of operations, strategy and stakeholder relationships.
Marnix Galle, Executive Chair of the Board of Immobel: "We conducted a thorough process to identify the right leader for Immobel's next phase, and Rikkert stood out clearly. Immobel has come through a demanding period with stronger discipline and a clearer strategic direction. The next phase is about rigorous execution, early origination, capital partnerships and selective growth. Rikkert combines development experience, investment judgement and the ability to build and scale a platform. The Board is convinced he is the right person to lead Immobel into its next chapter."
Rikkert Leeman, CEO-designate of Immobel: "Immobel is a remarkable platform, with a heritage dating back to 1863, experienced teams, high-quality assets in leading European urban locations and a respected brand. I see three immediate strengths to build on: the Belgian residential platform, the discipline to complete and realise value from the current portfolio, and the opportunity to scale a more capital-efficient, partnership-led model across our core markets. The choices the group has made in recent years create a clear foundation. My intention is to build on it with focus, conviction and selectivity."
Adel Yahia, outgoing CEO of Immobel: "Leading Immobel through a demanding cycle has been an intense and meaningful journey. I am proud of what the teams have delivered and of the foundations we have reinforced. The group is well positioned for its next chapter, and I am pleased to hand over to a strong successor."
About Rikkert Leeman
Rikkert Leeman is a seasoned real estate executive with more than twenty years of experience across development, investment, operations, ESG and governance.
Since 2019, he has served as CEO and Managing Director of Alides REIM, after previously holding the role of COO and member of the Executive Committee. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive responsibilities at Befimmo, where he was CTO, member of the Executive Committee and Director. He also held project and property management roles at Catella Codemer and Willemen.
Rikkert Leeman holds degrees in industrial sciences and real estate, and has completed senior executive education programmes at INSEAD and Vlerick. He is a Certified Director with Guberna, holds the European Board Diploma from ECODA, and is MRICS since 2008. He is also Vice-President of BVS-UPSI and co-founder and Vice-President of the Belgian Green Building Council.