# Max Parmentier

> Max Parmentier is a Belgian entrepreneur based in London, co-founder and CEO of Birdie, and a Bekaert board member. His career includes McKinsey, Riaktr, the Global Fund, founding the procurement marketplace Wambo, and Kamet Ventures. In October 2026, Birdie announced he would become chair at the beginning of November, with Alastair Douglas succeeding him as CEO.

- **Role:** CEO and co-founder at Birdie; incoming Chair from early November 2026
- **Organizations:** Birdie, Bekaert, Wambo, Global Fund, Kamet Ventures, Riaktr, McKinsey & Company, Altius Society, Asmae, Organe, United Nations Development Programme
- **Nationality:** Belgian
- **Education:** MSc in Management (Ingénieur de Gestion), Université catholique de Louvain / Louvain School of Management, Master in International Management, Esade Business School / CEMS, Master in International Affairs, International Economic Policy focus, Columbia University
- **Known for:** Co-founded Birdie in 2017., Founded and led the international procurement marketplace Wambo., Won the FBN Next Generation Lombard Odier Award in 2020 for Birdie.

## Career timeline

- **2004-2005** — President of Organe, coordinating approximately 1,000 students in project housing.
- **2005** — UNDP internship with the Bolivian vice-presidency in La Paz on national ICT strategy.
- **2005-2006** — Vice president of the university council at Louvain, representing 21,000 students.
- **2006-2008** — Studied at Columbia University and worked as a teaching assistant in international finance.
- **2008** — Advised Belgian diplomats during Belgium’s UN Security Council membership; joined McKinsey.
- **2012** — Joined Riaktr as a project manager.
- **2013** — Joined the Global Fund; subsequently led sourcing strategy and supply chain and founded Wambo.
- **Before 2017** — Entrepreneur in residence and ventures lead at Kamet Ventures.
- **2017** — Co-founded Birdie.
- **2019** — Birdie announced B Corp certification.
- **2020** — Won the FBN Next Generation Lombard Odier Award for Birdie.
- **2021** — Announced $11.5 million of investment in Birdie led by Index Ventures.
- **2022** — Joined Bekaert’s board in May.
- **2023** — Reappointed to Bekaert’s board until the 2027 annual general meeting.
- **2024** — Discussed Birdie’s selection for Tech Nation’s Future Fifty programme.
- **2026-10** — Announced an upcoming transition from Birdie CEO to chair, effective at the beginning of November 2026.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Birdie in 2017.
- Founded and led the international procurement marketplace Wambo.
- Won the FBN Next Generation Lombard Odier Award in 2020 for Birdie.
- Appointed to Bekaert’s board in May 2022 and reappointed in 2023 until the 2027 annual meeting.
- Led Birdie during its B Corp certification and its selection for Tech Nation’s Future Fifty.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — On 5 October, Birdie announced Alastair Douglas would become CEO at the beginning of November and Max Parmentier would become Chair. The two would work together through October.

## Links

- Website: https://www.birdie.care/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-parmentier-8592603/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Max_Parmentier

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/max-parmentier
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-25