Willy Naessens

Willy Naessens is a well known industrialist in Belgium. Born around World War II in Wortegem-Petegem (between Oudenaarde and Ghent), East Flanders, Naessens grew up in a modest family.

At young age, he started a construction business called "Naessens Constructions", specializing in constructing big - but rather economised - industrial buildings and swimming pools. He became one of the most powerful Belgian industrialists. Nowadays, his corporate group participates in many branches of the construction sector, and in non-construction businesses, such as restaurants and sports-teams. Nevertheless, he always gave a share to charity. For instance, he became very popular by paying a very expensive organ transplantation for a Belgian child.