smartwith heart
From pioneer to Chairwoman, a journey built together
October 14
News
Anita Van Looveren has been part of OMP's journey since 1985, at a time when a small group of pioneers was exploring how mathematical optimization could solve real business challenges.
As Anita receives her special recognition from Voka Antwerp-Waasland, we look back at the career which led up to it, and how her colleagues helped shape it with her.
A recognition for one, but a tribute to many
Some careers help shape a company. Some help shape the people around them. Anita's journey at OMP has done both.
On October 14, our Chairwoman of the Board is inducted into Voka Antwerp-Waasland's Gallery of Prominent Figures, honoring exceptional professional achievements and lasting impact on the region.
But this recognition is about much more than one name on a golden plaque. It's a reminder of what can happen when talented people grow together around a shared ambition.
News
“You never build a company alone.”
Anita joined OMP in 1985 as an optimization consultant, at a time when a small group of pioneers was exploring how mathematical optimization could solve real business challenges. Over the next four decades, she helped grow OMP from a villa in Brasschaat (Belgium) into a global technology company with colleagues and customers around the world.
"This recognition may carry just one name, but it represents the work, trust, and dedication of many colleagues who have helped shape the company over the years."
It's also a story about the people who grew within OMP: colleagues who built their careers here, others who joined along the way, and customers and partners who have stayed with OMP for years.
Driven by a shared vision
From a handful of pioneers to more than 1,500 colleagues worldwide, we’ve come a long way. Our technology may have evolved, our offices expanded, and our customer base grown, but one thing has remained remarkably consistent: our belief that the best ideas come from bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives.
News
That means challenging each other, sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and working closely with customers to solve complex problems. It’s a culture that has helped OMP grow, and one that still shapes how we work today.
Looking ahead: writing the next chapter
In 2024, Anita became Chairwoman of the Board, passing the CEO role to Paul Vanvuchelen. While it’s a recognition celebrating her impressive career, it also celebrates the continuing legacy of everyone who daily shapes OMP's future.
News
And this is perhaps what Anita’s story means for those of you who will be joining OMP today. You become part of a company where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and success is something we create together. You can truly help shape what comes next.
Congratulations, Anita! And thank you to everyone, past and present, as we continue to write our story together.
Sound like your kind of workplace?