29 september 2020
13:37
–
Bpost CEO Jean-Paul Van Avermaet has to clarify his situation this week and whether he can travel to North America.
–
Federal postal minister Philippe De Backer (Open VLD) declared this in the competent parliamentary committee on Tuesday.
–
Jean-Paul Van Avermaet is mentioned in an investigation into cartels in the security sector, where he was previously active. The Belgian Competition Authority (BMA) and the United States Department of Justice investigate whether the three major security firms G4S, Securitas and Seris entered into secret price agreements on major contracts.
–
At the time, Van Avermaet was responsible for Belgium at 4GS. The American investigation could have major consequences for Van Avermaet and his company. He may not be able to travel to the United States because he risks being arrested for questioning.
–
Autonomous
Minister De Backer reiterated his principles regarding autonomous public companies in the Chamber on Tuesday. It is up to the board of directors to take its responsibility. He has not been informed about investigations in Belgium and the United States against Van Avermaet, for whom the presumption of innocence applies, De Backer noted.
–
The CEO must create ‘transparency’ for the board of directors. For example, he has been asked to confirm in writing whether he can travel to all branches of the group, including the American subsidiary Radial. It goes without saying that the CEO of a company such as Bpost is able to travel anywhere to maintain contacts and close deals, ‘in North America, among other places’.
–
–
