Simmons & Simmons Belgium appoints Koen Vanhaerents to lead corporate practice, promotes Raf Thielemans and Pablo Moro Valbuena to supervising associates.
Following the retirement of its corporate and commercial partner, Carl Meyntjens, Simmons & Simmons Belgium appointed partner Koen Vanhaerents (pictured) on 2 July 2026 to lead its corporate practice in Brussels. “I am pleased to be joining Simmons & Simmons and contributing to the development of its corporate practice in Belgium and across the wider European network,” Koen said in a press release. “I also look forward to joining an enthusiastic and growing team of 30 lawyers in Brussels with a full-service offering.”
He explained in a LinkedIn post that after 39 years, he looks back on his time at Baker & McKenzie with many fond memories. “From the time as co-managing partner in Belgium, with the opening of the Antwerp office and the surge of their corporate finance practice, to my time on the executive committee, overseeing the opening of offices in Istanbul, Dubai, Johannesburg, Istanbul and Casablanca… And –obviously – the many deals and transactions for a whole suite of clients.”
Koen brings more than 35 years’ experience advising on private equity, strategic and public M&A and capital markets matters, as well as fund structuring and venture capital. “Koen is well known in the Belgian corporate market… His leadership will ensure a smooth succession in Brussels and create new opportunities for our corporate practice,” commented partner and international head of the company’s corporate and commercial division, Andrea Accornero.
The international law firm’s country head, Eric Blomme, also expressed his excitement: “As a Legal 500 Hall of Fame practitioner with almost 40 years of experience, Koen will bring market-leading expertise to our platform…[He will also] strengthen our corporate and transactional practices and position us for further growth.”
Later the same week (on 7 July 2026), Simmons & Simmons Belgium also promoted Raf Thielemans and Pablo Moro Valbuena to supervising associates.
Pablo is an associate in the firm’s EU, competition and trade team. He advises on a wide range of matters, such as competition, distribution and general EU regulatory law. His practice focuses on merger control, foreign subsidies, foreign direct investment, general antitrust and vertical restrictions, as well as DMA- and DSA-related issues.
Raf is an associate in the firm’s corporate and finance practice. He advises clients on domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, including leveraged/acquisition finance, corporate lending, sustainable finance and capital markets. He also has experience in matters related to general corporate law and securities, financial regulation, banking and funds.
“This well-deserved achievement reflects their talent, dedication and commitment to delivering outstanding support to our clients and colleagues. Their contributions have played an important role in the continued growth and success of our team,” the company said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in their new roles.”
