AKD has strengthened its Brussels tax practice with the appointment of Elien Van Malder as partner, alongside tax adviser Adrien D'Heure.
The move is intended to enhance the firm’s capabilities in complex transactions, M&A, corporate structuring, financing, real estate deals and tax disputes for both Belgian and international clients.
Van Malder advises clients on the tax aspects of transactions, restructurings and financing arrangements, and represents companies in tax audits and dispute resolution. She previously served as in-house counsel at a Belgian multinational, giving her insight into the intersection of tax, legal and financial strategy.
“The pace of change in tax law is accelerating while businesses need clarity”, Van Malder said, adding that her focus is on helping clients anticipate tax challenges, structure transactions and manage risks in a legally robust and practical way.
In addition to her legal practice, Van Malder is active as a lecturer and researcher at Ghent University and regularly contributes to the tax community through organizations such as Belgian Association of Tax Lawyers and International Fiscal Association Belgium.
According to Managing Partner Carlos Pita Cao, the appointment underscores AKD’s ambition to be a leading Benelux adviser on complex transactions and structures. The hires also reflect the firm’s broader growth strategy in tax advisory and its commitment to a multidisciplinary approach that integrates legal, fiscal and financial expertise.
