Overview
Philippe De Backer holds the position of Managing Director Public Affairs EMEA at KKR[1], where De Backer leads public affairs across the EMEA region with focus on strategic investments aligned with Europe's policy priorities in digital infrastructure, growth, and competitiveness[2]. De Backer's background spans biotechnology and public service, including a PhD in Biotechnology from Ghent University[12] and an MBA from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management[11]. Prior to joining KKR in October 2024[3], De Backer served as Minister in the Belgian federal government from December 2018 to October 2020[6], as Staatssecretaris from May 2016 to December 2018[7], and as a Member of the European Parliament from September 2011 to May 2016[8]. De Backer also founded SophArth BV, serving as Founder & Managing Director from November 2020 to October 2024[4], and worked as Senior Partner at Newton Biocapital from October 2022 to July 2024[5].
Profile introduction
I am dedicated to aligning public policy with private capital to drive sustainable growth and innovation. With a PhD in biotechnology and an MBA from Solvay Business School, I embarked on a journey that led me from the European parliament to ministerial roles in the Belgian government, and now to KKR. At KKR, I lead public affairs across EMEA, focusing on strategic investments that align with Europe's policy priorities in (digital) infrastructure, overall growth and broad competitiveness. I welcome connections with professionals passionate about the intersection of policy and investment, as we…
Career history
- Managing Director Public Affairs EMEAOct 2024 to presentKKR
- Founder & Managing DirectorNov 2020 to Oct 2024SophArth BV
- Senior PartnerOct 2022 to Jul 2024NEWTON BIOCAPITAL
- MinisterDec 2018 to Oct 2020Federale Regering
- Staatssecretaris voor Bestrijding van de sociale fraude, Privacy en NoordzeeMay 2016 to Dec 2018Federale Regering
- MemberSep 2011 to May 2016European Parliament
- Technology Transfer OfficerDec 2009 to Sep 2011CRP-Santé
- AnalystDec 2009 to Sep 2011Vesalius Biocapital
Education
- MBA, Business Administration and Management2010 - 2012Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management
PhD, Biotechnology2005 - 2009Ghent University
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