Patrick Vandenameele

Patrick Vandenameele will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at imec, a globally recognized R&D center specializing in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, effective April 1, 2026. Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer at imec until October 2025, where he was responsible for overseeing and shaping the organization's R&D strategy and its execution.
As chief architect of imec’s research direction, Patrick was 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. Starting in April 2026, Patrick will assume the role of CEO of imec.