Ruhig Bleiben
[Brussels, October 17, 2025] – The Belgian Association of HR Professionals, hrpro.be, proudly presented its HR Hero Award to Erik Prieels during its annual international conference. This distinguished award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of human resources, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing HR practices.
About the award
Each year, the HR Hero Award honors an individual whose exceptional efforts in practice, teaching, research, or thought leadership have significantly advanced the growth and development of the HR profession. Rather than being the result of a competitive process, the award serves as a heartfelt recognition of the recipient’s enduring impact and their commitment to the values of the HR community.
The recipient holds the lifetime title of HR Hero, a distinction that reflects their ongoing dedication to the core principles and integrity of the HR profession.
This year, Erik Prieels was celebrated for the way he has fulfilled the CHRO role at Audi, including the emotional closure. led his organization through the difficult process of closure. Erik Prieels has profoundly influenced the HR profession in Belgium by balancing people and business and by being visible in the debate. We are impressed by the motto he has used during difficult moments: Ruhig Bleiben, Stay Calm.
“The HR Hero Award is more than a recognition; it is a symbol of our community’s appreciation for those who elevate the HR profession,” said David Ducheyne, President of HRPro]. “The award is not about heroism. HR does not need that. But in the everyday struggle to balance people, profit and progress, people should focus on the essence of the profession.”
By presenting the HR Hero Award, HRPro.be reaffirms its commitment to celebrating excellence in human resources and inspiring progress across workplaces nationwide.
Erik Prieels succeeds Dirk Buyens, who received the award in 2024.
About HRPro.be
HRPro.be is Belgium's leading independent, non-profit professional body dedicated to advancing the field of human resources in Belgium. As a proud member of the European Association of People Management, HRPro.be amplifies the voice of HR professionals and strives to elevate the profession through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Hrpro.be is an initiative of Epsilon, VHR West-Vlaanderen and Antwerp, HR Club West-Vlaanderen, ProHR Oost-Vlaanderen, HR Public, HR Lab, Vocap, VDAB and VBO. The Association is open to welcome has both non-profit HR associations as individuals as members. Get in touch if you want to become a member.
For more information, please contact:
Hrpro.be
www.hrpro.be
info@hrpro.be
