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.
Over the past five years, the Belgian Cyber Security Awards have grown into a leading platform for recognition, knowledge sharing, and community building. This anniversary edition marks half a decade of innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
The celebration took place at the iconic Africa Palace in Tervuren, where industry leaders gathered to applaud excellence.
The winners for the Belgium Cyber Security Awards 2025 are:
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.
Ann Mennens
CyberAware Programme Manager
EUROPEAN COMMISSION (DG DIGIT)
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.
Philippe Cornette
Group CISO & CECO IT
JOHN COCKERILL
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.
Peggy Valcke
Full Professor of Law & ICT
FACULTY OF LAW & CRIMINOLY (CITIP)
KU LEUVEN
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Executive Board Member
BIPT
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.
Sarah Ampe
Manager Digital Risk
EY
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.
Nathan Vanhelleputte
Head of Digital Compliance Office and Compliance Programs
BPOSTGROUP