Eric has a Master's degree in Applied Economics/Commercial Engineer, major in Marketing at the Catholic University of Leuven, an Executive MBA from the Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School and a certificate in Lean Manufacturing from the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. He speaks fluent English, French and German, in addition to his native Dutch.

Eric Van den Bruel began his career at GSE (Dolmen Computers Group) working as a Sales Representative and Branch Manager. He then moved to Group Bel, working his way up to Senior Product Manager managing brands like Maredsous, la Vache qui Rit and Apéricube, and winning several awards in the process. Eric then spent six years at the European headquarters of Teneco Automotive where he was in charge of marketing and communications.

In February 2004 he moved to Sappi, working first as the European Manager of Corporate Planning before serving as second in command to the South African CEO.  He eventually assumed his current function as Marketing and Product Development Director at Sappi where he is in charge of marketing strategies and launching new products for Europe. Among his many activities, he still finds the time to oversee the sustainability strategy and its legal compliance, and the technical support group.

Eric’s membership to the Group Sustainability Sappi Ltd Board Committee should come as no surprise. Social responsibility and sustainable development with respect for people and planet are his key values. He is engaged in many initiatives and is keenly aware of social and environmental concerns.