After studying commercial engineering and international relations, Jan Vander Elst (1981) started his career at Dexia Bank. After carrying out various assignments within the credit risk, structured products and marketing departments, he was at the heart of the development of philanthropy services for private banking. Driven by philanthropy's ability to have an impact on social challenges, Jan joined the King Baudouin Foundation in 2008 as a 'philanthropy advisor'. Soon he also became involved in the investments and development of Mission Related Investments for the Foundation. In 2014 he was appointed 'Head of Finance' responsible for day-to-day financial management and investments. Due to the growth of endowment, this role was split in 2020 and Jan became 'Head of Investments and Treasury'. In this capacity, he also oversees the development and implementation of the ESG strategy and social impact investments.