About Kellen
Senior Executives
ALFONS WESTGEEST
Managing Partner, Kellen Europe
Alfons Westgeest is Group Vice President of Kellen Company and heads Kellen Europe, the firm’s Brussels-based operation. He also leads Kellen’s global development and operations, including the strategic alliance and office in Beijing, China, as well as similar developments for Kellen’s Alliance partnership in Singapore. In addition, he launched Kellen’s Middle East services in Bahrain.
Westgeest joined Ernst & Young Association Management and European Affairs in 1981 and worked as an industry consultant and association manager with the firm's offices in Amsterdam and The Hague. In Brussels since 1988, he has developed excellent contacts with international organizations, in particular key decision-makers at the Institutions of the European Union.
He established services for the association management practice in Brussels and today leads a team of 25 European professionals from 13 nationalities with diverse educational backgrounds. They advise and manage European associations or the representation of US-based associations in various industries. The team provides added-value services, including European affairs and economic analysis & benchmarking, for several associations.
Westgeest is directly involved in client board and member meetings, strategic planning and government affairs. He developed knowledge about a variety of sectors including automotive, engineering, electronics, health care & medical, construction, financial services, food & drinks and logistics. Westgeest joined the Executive Committee of Kellen Company and took responsibility for preparing and implementing the firm’s global expansion.
Westgeest is a graduate LLM in Commercial and European law of Leyden University, the Netherlands. Besides his Dutch mother tongue, he speaks English, French and German. He is long-time member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), former Chairman of the International Section and International Committee and the first-ever Board member to reside outside of North America. He was elected ASAE Fellow in 2006. He also served in the Board of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE). Westgeest has published articles on the interests of international associations. He is active at the EU American Chamber of Commerce in Brussels, as well as in Amcham and EU Chamber in Beijing. He organized strategy seminars and conferences for clients and Kellen Company worldwide.
Westgeest is available to speak on such subjects as:
Global Strategies
Entering China
European Union
Please contact press inquiries regarding speaking opportunities for our senior executives.