New leadershipduo at GS1 Belgilux : Alexis and Annick step in
The Board of Directors of GS1 Belgilux has appointed a new leadership duo for the 2025–2027 term. Alexis Caudron, Head of Customer Supply Chain at Nestlé, takes the helm as President. He will be joined by Annick Mievis, Division Director of Purchasing at Colruyt Group, stepping in as Vice President.
Meet the people behind the roles
With their new roles freshly announced, let’s take a closer look at the individuals behind the titles.
Alexis began his career at GB (now Carrefour), had a brief stint in the banking sector, and has been with Nestlé for over 30 years. He rose through the ranks from young marketer to Key Account Manager, and now leads Supply Chain. In recent years, he has developed strong expertise in data, digitalisation, and supply chain management.
Annick is celebrating 30 years with Colruyt Group this year. Her career spans the entire value chain. Starting in IT, moving through systems integration and logistics, and currently overseeing three purchasing teams and two departments mainly focused on global sourcing and transport of PL products.
“Standards enable collaboration”: their connection with GS1
Annick has contributed to the GS1 data model, FIC legislation, and Trustbox, and several supply chain work groups. she rejoined the GS1 Belgilux Board, succeeding the retired Martine Pauwels as Colruyt Group’s representative. In her current role, she sees firsthand the importance of standards for effective collaboration. “In purchasing, we’re on the front line when it comes to agreeing on data exchange methods with suppliers. This is where GS1 truly makes the difference. Without shared standards, smooth collaboration isn’t possible,” explains Annick.
For Alexis, his connection with GS1 began with his very first assignment at Nestlé: “My first task? Requesting an EAN code for a new product. Since then, standards have been a constant in my career. Today, I want to be a voice for manufacturers and push for wider adoption of GS1 across the sector.” His involvement grew within the Operations team, where colleague participation was already part of the culture. It was a natural next step.
Both have now served on the GS1 Belgilux Board for the past two years.
Driving change, together
For Annick, the proposal to become Vice President came as a surprise: “I didn’t put myself forward” - Marc, our former President of GS1 Belgilux encouraged me”. “As one of the few representatives of the retail sector on the Board, it’s important to have a voice. Big digital challenges are ahead, and I want to help drive digitalisation and find solutions.”
Alexis echoes her commitment, though from a slightly different angle: “For me, it’s about stepping up, not just for Nestlé, but for the entire sector. I want to help steer the way, strengthen collaboration and champion the use of standards.”
Together, they aim to reinforce the position of GS1 Belgilux and ensure its long-term impact.
“Our ambition? That GS1 is ready to meet the regulatory wave head on - and actively support companies in their digital transition,” they conclude.
Two leaders, One Direction This isn’t a solo act, it’s a partnership
The pair bring complementary strengths and experience to the table. Both are bilingual and experienced in GS1 working groups.
“Alexis and I have already aligned our approaches. My strengths lie in technical and conceptual skills, with a deep understanding of the content,” says Annick.
“I focus on building connections and fostering collaboration,” adds Alexis. “It’s essential that everyone feels heard.”
One Vision, Three Priorities
Two years goes fast, so priorities must be clear. The duo has defined three strategic pillars:
🔸Next generation barcodes, with key challenges around checkout readability and alignment with new regulations.
“We need to fast-track awareness and adoption of these barcodes across all sectors,” Alexis notes. “The potential is huge, but it won’t happen on its own and it doesn’t stop at national borders.”
🔸Supporting companies on Sustainability-related Legislation
This includes due diligence, deforestation regulations, the PPWR directive, and the digital product passport.
“GS1 standards are the foundation for addressing packaging and sustainability challenges. They enable real, concrete steps forward,” says Annick.
🔸Positioning GS1 as a ‘digital orchestrator’.
GS1 must take a proactive role in connecting authorities and industry by promoting the use of standards.
Business as usual: facing challenges
The new leadership team is realistic about the road ahead.
Alexis says, “We’ve made good progress, but there’s still a long road ahead”. It’s crucial to spread awareness across all sectors. Next generation barcodes must be embedded throughout the supply chain. Data quality and exchange remain top priorities.
Annick emphasizes that GS1 standards are the key to addressing sustainability and packaging issues. “Only by speaking a common language, we can move forward together.”
Looking forward: what success looks like
🟢 Next generation barcodes are widely adopted by both suppliers and retailers.
Easily scanned at checkout, printed on packaging, and recognised as a gateway to additional product information.
🟢 GS1 standards and the GS1 Digital Link are legally recognised as solutions to sustainability challenges.
🟢 GS1 is seen as a proactive digital facilitator, bridging businesses, consumers, and policymakers.
