The return of the silent force: Bornauw back in charge
FRIDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2025, 13:16 - lajoya
OTHER The circle is complete. After several months of absence, Kenneth Bornauw (53) returns to RSC Anderlecht — this time as CEO with full responsibility for both the sporting and business sides of the club. Marc Coucke is thus bringing his former confidant back at a time when the club is once again looking for direction.
Bornauw knows Anderlecht through and through. Not only because he has been active at management level in recent years, but also as the father of Sebastiaan Bornauw — now a four-time Red Devil and defender at Leeds United. For years, Kenneth stood on the sidelines at Neerpede, where his son was trained. What started as an involved parent grew into a key role behind the scenes at the purple and white club.
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Continue reading From multinationals to purple and white With a degree from Vlerick Business School and stints at Unilever and Microsoft, Bornauw has the profile of a modern business leader. He is a communicator, someone who prefers to listen rather than dictate. “He knows how to let people flourish,” say former colleagues.
When Marc Coucke convinced him to join Anderlecht in 2022, Bornauw was given one clear task: to put the RSCA brand back on the map. And that's exactly what he did. Under his leadership, the stands filled up again, the VIP lounges became trendy, and Lotto Park was given a fresh look with light shows and culinary concepts. New sponsors came on board and even in financially turbulent times, the club was back in the black.
Modernizing without losing its soul Bornauw modernized the club, but remained true to the Anderlecht identity. He restructured the commercial team, renovated the youth center, and professionalized the ticketing and hospitality policy. His approach was down-to-earth: first strengthen the foundations, then build on them.
A break with Vandenhaute His sudden departure in June 2025 therefore came as a surprise. Officially, it was to “explore new horizons,” but behind the scenes, the visions of Bornauw and then-chairman Wouter Vandenhaute clashed more and more often. Two strong characters, one cockpit — that couldn't last.
For many fans, the news was a disappointment. Bornauw was just about the only policymaker who remained immune to criticism. “The only one who really knew what he was doing,” was the sentiment on social media.
A brief respite, then a return After his departure, Bornauw literally distanced himself: he traveled through Peru and Australia, among other places. But now that Vandenhaute has left and Coucke has to restructure the club again, the latter is turning back to his reliable pawn.
This time, Bornauw is not just becoming CEO Non Sports, but the big boss — with authority over both business and sports. This puts him above Isabelle Vanden Eede and sporting director Tim Borguet.
A man of structure, not a showman His return four months after his departure says a lot about the impact he had. Bornauw rarely seeks the limelight and prefers to let his actions speak for themselves. Structure, trust, and figures are his strengths.
Now he has the opportunity to get not only the commercial engine but also the sporting heart of Anderlecht running again. And that will be necessary, because the challenge is great — but if anyone knows how to help people flourish, it's Kenneth Bornauw.
