Meet the Experts
Meet our ten experts who will join forces to guide you, each bringing their own expertise and perspective. Together they provide a well-rounded view on the many aspects of U.S. expansion.
Paul Allaer
Partner, Thompson Hine
Legal support for Belgian companies active in the US
Paul obtained his law degree at KUL. He subsequently obtained two graduate law degrees in the United States and now has been a longtime U.S. resident. Paul has over 30 years of experience in corporate and M&A matters at Thompson Hine. Paul works with dozens of Belgian companies that are active in the US in one way or another.
Sophie Boutelegier
Founder, Expandify
US market entry and growth strategy
Sophie supports B2B tech and service companies in shaping their US market entry and growth strategy. She helps companies make clear choices around market selection, positioning, and go-to-market strategy, and turns these into a concrete action plan. She actively follows up, keeping companies focused, sharp, and accountable. Originally from Belgium and based in Silicon Valley since 2015, she has supported dozens of companies expanding to the US.
Yves Ghys
Founder, Onboarding USA
Your tailor-made introduction to the right U.S. business ecosystem
Yves is the founder of Onboarding USA and supports Belgian companies in making their first strategic choices for the U.S.-market. Drawing on his experience of living, working, and doing business in the United States, he advises companies on suitable regions, locations, and potential partnerships by providing targeted introductions with local organizations, business leaders, and relevant stakeholders.
Jens Jochems
Founder, JJ Business Consultancy
Helping Belgian companies build high-performing teams in the US
Jens is an experienced Recruitment- and HR professional with over 13 years in the field. Since relocating to the United States in 2019, he has focused on assisting Belgian companies in navigating the U.S. labor market. His expertise lies in bridging cultural and operational differences, ensuring companies can successfully integrate into the local business environment.
Joris Noreillie
Founder, CFOrent
Financial management,
North America expansion
High-growth companies turn to CFOrent for hands-on financial leadership. We deliver CFO-as-a-service, business planning, FP&A, board reporting, fundraising support and transaction readiness for ambitious startups and mid-sized companies. From daily operational finance to M&A or international expansion, we pair pragmatic advice with executional excellence.
Michelle Snijders
Business Relationship Manager, TABS
Your partner for your back-office operations in the US
Michelle is Business Relationship Manager at TABS. TABS is dedicated to making U.S. expansion seamless, empowering international organizations to operate and thrive with confidence in the US. Helping 650+ European companies succeed by connecting them with the right people, providing back-office support and resources for growth.
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Ben Troch
Partner, International Management Solutions
US accounting, tax & payroll
Ben is a Partner at International Management Solutions Inc (IMS) and leads the Benelux Practice. He holds master’s degrees in Taxation and Law from Belgium and has over ten years of experience advising European clients looking to expand into or already active in the US, including a three‑year period based in Chicago. Ben is currently based in IMS’s Belgium office, where he mainly provides tax and consultancy services to these clients.
Kristof Van Ael
Co-founder and partner, Alongsight
Custom tariffs and trade compliance
Kristof is co-founder and partner at Alongsight, specializing in Customs & Trade Compliance. He has 14 years of experience, having built his career at PwC and KPMG. Kristof advises multinational companies on global customs matters and supports dozens of businesses with the set-up and optimization of U.S. customs operations, combining strategic insight with hands-on execution.
Charlotte Volcke
Founder, Pinch Marketing
E-commerce &
Retail Expansion, USA
Charlotte is the founder of Pinch Marketing, a Los Angeles-based consultancy helping European home, housewares, and lifestyle brands enter the U.S. market through Amazon and major retail channels. Her background spans sales leadership at The Cookware Company (GreenPan) and Serax, with account experience at many retailers, including Target, Costco, Williams-Sonoma, and Bloomingdale's.
Jo Vander Stuyft
General manager, KBC New York
Aiming to be the preferred banker for Belgian corporates in the US
KBC USA aims to be the preferred banker of Belgian businesses in the US. With decades of experience in local US banking market, KBC has a solid track record as the financial partner for Belgian corporates in their expansion into the US. We offer account opening, cash management and local financing. While being a full-fledged local US bank, KBC New York is an integral part of the Belgian KBC Commercial Banking network and manages the client relation always in close cooperation with the Belgian team.