Paul Thiers: Wood industry visionary with a fortune of €59m

Paul Thiers

Paul Thiersformer CEO d'Unilinan international group specializing in the production of floor coverings in woodis known for its key role in the creation of Quick Stepthe company's flagship product. Unilin was founded in the 1960s as a cooperative from a family-run flax processing business, with a large number of shareholders, including the Thiers family. The company caused a sensation in 2005 when it was sold to Mohawk Industriesan American group, for 2.2 billion euros.

After selling Unilin, Paul Thiers reinvented himself as an investor, co-founding Pentaholda collective of five influential investors, including Filip Balcaen, Edmond Müller, Marc Saverysand Philippe Vlerickwhich focus on financing innovative start-ups. Previously, there had been discussions about a potential merger between Unilin and Balta, headed by Balcaen, which could have created a leader in the West Flanders flooring sector.

Paul Thiers' expertise in the real estate development was also demonstrated by the co-founding of Iona company dedicated to various real estate projects, including corporate space, student residencesand residential developments. He is also co-founder and partner of companies such as Altior and Origisin executive search and renewable energy respectively, and Hectaproperty developer and investor.

Paul Thiers currently sits as an independent director on a number of boards, including Deceuninck NVlisted company, Accent-Jobs for People, Vergokan and d'Artagnan. He is also a member of the Museum D'Hondt-Dhaenens.

Sector of activity	Positions
Houtgroep (Wood Group)	Former CEO (Unilin), Co-founder (Tipavan)
Investments	Founder (Pentahold), Partner (Altior, Origis, Hecta)
Real estate	Co-founder (Ion), Projects in Belgium
Corporate governance	Independent Director, Member of the Executive Committee (MDD)

With growing assets valued at 59,109,500 euroshe ranks in the Top 400 of Belgian fortunes, with a notable presence at Knokke.