Bekaert announced the leadership succession plans of its Chairman and CEO. Baron Buysse, Chairman of the board of directors of Bekaert, will retire in May 2014 after 14 years in the chair of the company's board. Bert De Graeve, CEO of Bekaert since 2006, will become Chairman of the board in succession of Baron Buysse as from May 2014.

The board of directors of Bekaert has appointed Matthew Taylor as CEO designate. He will take up this position as of September 1, 2013 and become a member of the Bekaert Group Executive. Matthew Taylor will assume the position of CEO of Bekaert in May 2014.

His nomination as a member of the board of directors will then be subject to approval by the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Matthew Taylor served from 2010-2013 as CEO of Edwards Group. He stepped down in 2010 to become CEO of Edwards.

Bert De Graeve joined Bekaert as Chief Financial and Administration Officer in 2002 and was appointed CEO in 2006. Baron Buysse has been Chairman of the board of directors of Bekaert since 2000.