Lieven Vermaele
Lieven Vermaele was born in Gent (Belgium) in 1975. He obtained his “Master of
Science in Engineering” from the University of Gent, and pursued several postgraduate studies. He is married and has one child.
Lieven Vermaele was nominated Technical Director of the European Broadcasting
Union (EBU) by the Administrative Council of the EBU on 24 May 2007. He took up
his position on 1 September 2007.
Mr Vermaele began his career at VRT, the Belgian, Flemish, broadcaster, where he
worked on the broadcaster's digital roadmap with a focus on transmission, ICT,
digital radio, television and new media projects. In particular, he played a key role in
developing and planning the digital future of VRT.
After six years with VRT, he moved to Alcatel-Lucent where he was responsible for
the strategy, marketing and portfolio management of the converged applications
and business ventures of the group. He joined the EBU from this last position.
As Technical Director of the EBU
o The objective of the EBU’s technical activities is to assist EBU Members in
periods of unprecedented technological changes. The EBU Technical
Department's vision is ‘your reference in media technology and
innovation’. It this on the basis of 4 key activities, reflected in their
mission: connect and share, develop and guide, promote and represent,
drive and harmonize.
o Realisations:
 Change of organization and setting clear objectives via a strategic
plan, in balance with the different stakeholders: situational
analysis and review, mission statement, high level objectives,
strategy and activity plan for technology, services and
organization
 Introduction of new working methods and tools
 Spectrum policy (ITU, European Commission)
 European-wide P2P project
 “Heads of Research”, initiation of collaboration between
broadcasting research centres in Europe and outside (Japan,
Canada)
 Building up contacts with industrial organizations