Despite the sudden and rapid departure of Snowflake’s first and only country manager in Belgium, the company sees growth potential in the country. A growing team and a focus on SMEs are testament to this.
Snowflake is setting its sights on Belgium. Although the country no longer has a country manager, that doesn’t change things. However, the company’s recent history in Belgium has been one of surprises. In March 2025, Caroline Van Cleemput ascended the previously non-existent throne of Regional Director Benelux. Van Cleemput immediately established a strong profile for Snowflake with events, a clear presence, and an appearance at the ITdaily round tables.
No succession
However, a year later, in March of this year, Van Cleemput disappeared from the scene. An abrupt departure to Fortinet under unclear circumstances meant that Snowflake lost its Belgian face. No successor was appointed in Belgium. All parties involved are tactfully silent about the reasons behind the unexpected turn of events.
“That doesn’t mean there is any less investment in Belgium,” says Timo Meijrink, Head of Solutions Benelux, at the Snowflake Summit in San Francisco. “Last year we held our Hello Belgium event and opened our office. In the meantime, we are already looking for a new office with more space.”
Belgian growth
According to Meijrink, Snowflake is fully committed to Belgium. “We are hiring to grow our team there.”
Currently, Meijrink has one colleague in his presales team working in Belgium, and a second is being recruited. There is also already a local AI specialist, along with two commercial staff. Snowflake’s ambition is to have a solid team in place by the end of the year to look after Belgium and Luxembourg.
Meijrink also realizes this is necessary. “My team also actively works on Belgium from the Netherlands. It’s been that way for years, but it’s still an extra obstacle.” Meijrink is not blind to the cultural nuances between the two countries.
SMEs and partners
Furthermore, Snowflake is increasingly focusing on SMEs. For the company, these are businesses with roughly 500 to 2,500 employees. “That market is very relevant to us; we are targeting it through collaboration with our partners,” says Meijrink.
Local Belgian partners can help customers take the first step and show them what Snowflake can do.
Timo Meijrink, Head of Solutions Benelux Snowflake
Snowflake is further expanding its collaboration with local partners. “We started that strategy about a year and a half ago, and we’re already seeing the first benefits,” says Meijrink. “Local Belgian partners can help customers take the first step and show them what Snowflake can do.”
“It doesn’t have to be a large investment,” Meijrink adds. “You can start simple and small.”
With more people, closer cooperation with partners, and a strategy for substantial SMEs, Snowflake has a clear ambition, including in Belgium. The fact that the Belgian division has lost its face does not change that.
It is not clear whether a Belgian country manager will reappear soon. “I don’t know if that’s the intention,” Meijrink admits diplomatically. “We are working on the strategy for the coming fiscal year, and that includes more autonomy, also for Belgium.”