Tervuren, December 1, 2025 – Belgium’s Cyber Security Awards proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary by honouring the most inspiring and influential professionals in the country’s cybersecurity landscape. With five award categories reflecting key pillars of the discipline, this lustrum edition shines a spotlight on the leaders shaping tomorrow’s digital world.
The celebration took place at the iconic Africa Palace in Tervuren, where industry leaders gathered to applaud excellence.
The winners of Belgium’s Cyber Security Awards 2025 are:
- Category: Cyber Security Personality Award – Ann Mennens – a leading voice for diversity and awareness in cybersecurity.
Ann Mennens, CyberAware Programme Manager at the European Commission, is honoured for her outstanding leadership in promoting awareness and championing diversity within the sector. As a prominent Belgian voice in the European Union, Ann has driven numerous projects at both national and European levels, consistently advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of women in cyber. Her unwavering commitment to diversity and her ability to inspire change—across Belgium and beyond—make her a true role model for a safer, more inclusive digital future.
- Category: Chief Information Security Officer – Philippe Cornette – a visionary, approachable, and impact-driven leader
Philippe Cornette, Group CISO & Chief Enterprise Compliance Officer (CECO) IT at John Cockerill, earns this award for his exceptional achievement in elevating cybersecurity standards worldwide. Operating in a uniquely complex, multidisciplinary and multinational environment, Philippe established a strong global security baseline for John Cockerill within just five years. His direct engagement with teams at every level, close collaboration with the Board, and up-to-date technical expertise exemplify the impactful, hands-on leadership that sets him apart.
- Category: Cyber Security Researcher of the Year – Peggy Valcke – bridging worlds, empowering teams
Peggy Valcke, Executive Board Member at BIPT and part-time Full Professor at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Law & Criminology (CiTiP), is recognised for her interdisciplinary approach and success in connecting academic research with industry needs. Peggy has built and continues to lead an exceptional team, empowered numerous research projects and consistently highlighted her team’s achievements. Her enabling leadership and commitment to collaboration make her a driving force for progress in cybersecurity research.
- Category: Young Cyber Security Professional Award – Sarah Ampe – driving change with expertise and purpose
Sarah Ampe, Manager Digital Risk at EY Advisory Services, stands out for her exceptional blend of technical mastery in cryptography and strong commitment to society. Through volunteering and awareness initiatives, she demonstrates leadership that combines deep expertise with a passion for creating meaningful impact.
- Category: Privacy Professional of the Year – Nathan Vanhelleputte – transforming privacy into a business enabler
Nathan Vanhelleputte, Head of Digital Compliance Office and Compliance Programmes at bpostgroup, is honoured for his ability to lead transformational change in a highly complex environment. By blending operational excellence with strategic vision, Nathan consistently enables business growth while safeguarding privacy. His high-impact initiatives prove that privacy can be a driver of innovation, not a barrier. Known for his engaging style and persuasive communication, Nathan inspires teams by turning challenges into opportunities.
Judging with integrity: inside the Awards process
The selection process for Belgium’s Cyber Security Awards places merit at the heart of every decision. Applications were assessed against a rigorous scoring system built on three to four key pillars for each category, leading to a shortlist of 25 candidates.
An independent, multidisciplinary jury then reviewed the top contenders and engaged in open debate to ensure fairness and transparency. Their deliberations were pivotal, ultimately determining the winners in each category. The process was designed to be open and impartial, guaranteeing that every accolade was earned on merit alone.
“The winners of this anniversary edition demonstrate that cybersecurity is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of vision and leadership. Their achievements prove that Belgium plays a leading role in creating a secure digital future. We congratulate not only the winners but also all finalists whose dedication and expertise contribute to a safer digital Belgium. You inspire us to build a strong cyber community together.” – Jan De Blauwe, Chair of the Jury and of the Cyber Security Coalition
About the Belgium Cyber Security Awards:
The Belgium Cyber Security Awards recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements, innovation, and leadership in the field of cybersecurity, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the industry. Established to honour groundbreaking contributions and forward-thinking initiatives, these awards serve as a benchmark for cybersecurity excellence in Belgium.
Belgium’s Cyber Security Awards are personally supported by Henk Dujardin, Cathy Suykens, Guy Hofmans, Pascal Champagne (Cyber Security Coalition), Nicolas Ameye & Georges Ataya (Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management), Karolien Vanhuffel and Kian Bayat (ISACA Belgium), Jéremy Grandclaudon and Nina Hasratyan (Agence du Numérique), Carolina Stevens (Digital Flanders), Barbara Van Dyck (Antwerp Management School), Philippe Massonet (Cetic), Saskia Van Uffelen (Agoria), and Peter Berghmans (Data Protection Institute).
Media partnership with Computable; ceremony organiser is TMAB.
