Patrick Vandenameele

Patrick Vandenameele is EVP and CEO-Elect (effective April 1, 2026) at imec, the globally recognized R&D center for nanoelectronics and digital technologies. As EVP and chief architect of imec’s research direction, Patrick has been responsible for shaping and driving the center’s innovation agenda, ensuring alignment between research initiatives, market needs, and partner priorities.  

His appointment as CEO underpins imec’s commitment to addressing market-driven application challenges while advancing its technology platforms. Patrick holds a PhD from KU Leuven and began his career at imec in 1996. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding and leading several deep-tech ventures. He held senior positions at leading semiconductor companies, including Qorvo and Hisilicon/Huawei. His efforts resulted in 11 product launches and more than 100 million units shipped.  

Returning to imec in 2017, Patrick played a key role in scaling the R&D center’s venturing activities, before stepping into his current leadership positions.