As of 1 September 2026, Alexander Colpaert has taken on the role of Managing Partner at SDM, assuming day-to-day leadership from Jan Verbrugge. Jan remains Chairman of the Board of Directors and will focus more strongly on his commercial role and maintaining close relationships with entrepreneurs.
After more than thirty years, Jan Verbrugge is handing over the day-to-day leadership of SDM to Alexander Colpaert. Together with his brother Eddy and the team, Jan has built SDM into the firm it is today. As Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jan will continue to help shape SDM’s strategy and future development. Eddy remains actively involved as Senior Partner, contributing his expertise in mergers and acquisitions and playing an important role within the international network.
Alexander joined SDM in January 2026, following a fifteen-year career at KBC Bank, where he developed extensive expertise in corporate banking, both nationally and internationally. During his final four years, he served as General Manager Business Banking, responsible for developing and leading the bank’s national SME business. Since joining SDM, he has worked closely with Jan, Eddy, the partners and the wider team.
Making way for a new generation
For Jan, the leadership transition comes at a natural moment. The world in which entrepreneurs operate is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. For him, entrepreneurship also means looking ahead and knowing when to make room for a new generation, bringing fresh perspectives and different skills.
Jan himself will devote more time to his commercial role and to what has driven him for more than thirty years: sitting down with entrepreneurs, listening, sharing experiences and exploring the future of their businesses together.
“I got to know Alexander as a banker who understood and believed in SDM’s business model. He was also willing to challenge established views. Today, I see someone who combines the skills of a manager with the mindset of an entrepreneur. To me, that is an essential combination for taking SDM forward.” Jan Verbrugge – Chairman, SDM
Building on SDM’s DNA
As Managing Partner, Alexander aims to build on SDM’s existing strengths. His ambition is to bring greater structure to SDM’s services, team and network, creating a foundation for broader, scalable growth.
Throughout this evolution, SDM’s DNA remains central: for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. Personal relationships, independence and a deep understanding of entrepreneurs will continue to define the way SDM operates.
“The world of entrepreneurship is changing rapidly. Technology and theoretical models are becoming increasingly accessible. What truly makes the difference is understanding an entrepreneur’s context, challenging their thinking and using that insight to inspire them. We don’t want to be consultants who offer advice from a distance. We want to stand alongside entrepreneurs, as partners.” Alexander Colpaert – Managing Partner, SDM
SDM’s strength lies not only in its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, but also in understanding entrepreneurs and their ambitions. Behind every transaction are personal choices, years of entrepreneurship and important decisions about the future. It is precisely these stories that give meaning to SDM’s work.
The latest edition of our Deal Magazine explores these entrepreneurial stories and the journeys behind the deals in greater depth.
