Q&A: Meet Kevin Richardson, Our connector in the Belgian construction sector
Q: Kevin, what drives you in your professional and personal life?
A: For me, human relationships and genuine interactions are essential, both at work and in my personal life. In my free time, I’m a family person; I love sharing moments with my wife and our two sons, ages 8 and 5. I believe that the core of our existence revolves around meaningful connections, and that’s what fuels everything I do.
Q: We hear that travel is an important part of your life. How did that come about?
A: Traveling and exploring have been our passions for years. My wife and I traveled the world together, and we’re now sharing those experiences with our children. Travel connects us as a family and fuels our curiosity. It also gives me fresh perspectives, which I bring into my work.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to Madaster?
A: I grew up in Lembeek, a small Flemish village near Brussels on the language border, which introduced me early to different cultures and languages. That background has been invaluable, both in my private life and career. After 25 years in sales, marketing, and business development with major ICT companies and as Business Development Director in ERP and 6D BIM solutions, I was ready for a new direction. I felt a strong urge to pursue something meaningful that could contribute to society, and I found that at Madaster.
Q: What inspires you as a professional?
A: I have always admired “social entrepreneurs”—people like Wouter Torfs and Marc Coucke, who are not only successful but also create positive socio-economic impact. These entrepreneurs inspire me because they approach business with genuine purpose. Conversations with friends who share this vision energize me and confirm the importance of meaningful entrepreneurship.
Q: How did you come to join Madaster?
A: I had known about Madaster for some time and once attended a lecture by Thomas Rau on the need for a closed, circular economy. Although ecology has never been my main focus, his vision resonated with me. As a father, it made me more aware of the future my children will inherit. When the opportunity to work with Madaster came up, I didn’t hesitate. Madaster combines sound business ambitions with a deep social commitment, and the Madaster Foundation is a perfect example of that.
Q: What do you see as the main challenges for the construction sector?
A: The construction sector has an enormous need for tools to help measure embodied carbon, CO₂ impact, and ensure compliance. In my previous role, I noticed that this need exists throughout the entire supply chain, from construction teams to manufacturers. For manufacturers, the challenge lies in managing and structuring material data and ensuring traceability. Long-term portfolio value, transparency, and compliance are priorities for companies looking to transition to circular practices. Standardization is essential—not just in Belgium, but also on a European and global scale. Madaster is ideally positioned to be the standard platform to meet these needs.
Q: What is your mission with Madaster in Belgium?
A: My mission is to grow and strengthen the Madaster community in Belgium and facilitate greater use of the platform here. We aim to build a network of partners across Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia. Through collaboration, we can accelerate the circular transition and contribute to a sustainable future for the construction sector in Belgium.
Business Development, Belgium
