Change & Digital Transformation
Leading complex change for very large organisations — getting derailed programmes back on track and bringing people along with the technology.
Sven Dens
Change & Digital Transformation Manager
For 25 years I've helped organisations turn complex technology and change into teams that work — pairing hands-on engineering depth with the human instinct to put the right people in the right place.
Experience
25 years in IT
Currently
Change Manager · Cronos Group
Based in
Antwerp, Belgium
Languages
8 languages
I bring deep and broad technical knowledge of IT systems, networks, security and software development together with the intuition to build teams that work — recognising quickly who is the right fit, both technically and culturally. Over an entire career I've built a reputation of being trusted by everyone I work with.
About
Who I am
A change and digital transformation manager with an unusually deep technical foundation — equally at home with engineers and executives, and fluent translating between them.
I’ve been writing code since I was twelve — it has never stopped being a passion — and over a 25-year career I’ve worked nearly every layer of the stack, from server rooms and microcontrollers to boardroom transformation programmes.
That range is the point. I started as a systems administrator for the banking industry, then spent years as a backend and frontend developer in advertising — programming embedded systems, simulating physics, and designing intuitive interfaces. From there I moved into managing large IT-infrastructure projects, which gave me deep, practical knowledge of computer networking, security and operational technology. Since 2017 I’ve led change and digital transformation for some of the largest organisations at home and overseas.
What I’m known for, though, is people. I read teams quickly, I know who fits where, and I build groups that are both technically capable and a genuine pleasure to work with. The recommendations further down — written by people I’ve worked with over twenty years — say it better than I can.
- Empathetic leader with a track record of getting derailed projects and dysfunctional teams back on track
- Agile chameleon — adapts quickly to new environments and changing requirements
- Strong communicator and decisive decision-maker
- Domestic and international work & life experience
- Polyglot — Dutch (native), fluent French and English, conversational German and Spanish, strong comprehension of Italian, and basic conversational Mandarin and Vietnamese
Expertise
What I do
My edge is the combination: deep, broad technical knowledge paired with the people skills to build teams that genuinely work.
Team Building & Leadership
Reading teams quickly and recognising the right fit — technical skills and cultural fit both — to build groups that genuinely work together.
Networking & Infrastructure
Deep, practical knowledge of computer networking — routing & switching, wifi, security protocols, OT networks and automation — from design through implementation.
Software Development
A lifelong developer — from embedded systems and microcontrollers to backend services and polished, intuitive front-end interfaces.
Security & Systems
Server and end-user operating systems, security designs and implementations — the operational foundation built over 25 years across banking, advertising and infrastructure.
Career
Career
Four chapters, one through-line: technology in service of people.
Early career
Systems Administrator
Banking industry
Started out administering server and end-user operating systems for the banking sector — building the deep, operational understanding of IT systems that still underpins everything I do.
~5 years
Backend & Frontend Developer
Advertising industry
Programmed embedded systems and microcontrollers, simulated physics, and designed beautiful, intuitive user interfaces — learning to ship software that is both technically solid and a pleasure to use.
2012 – 2017
Project Manager
Large IT-infrastructure projects
Led major IT-infrastructure programmes, gaining deep, hands-on knowledge of computer networking — routing & switching, wifi, security protocols, OT networks and automation — across design and implementation.
2017 – now Now
Change & Digital Transformation Manager
Odisee · PSA International · DEEP C Vietnam · Cronos Group
Leading change and digital transformation for very large organisations at home (Odisee, Port of Singapore Authority / PSA International) and overseas (DEEP C Vietnam). Currently change manager for the Cronos Group in Kontich, Belgium (freelance).
Clients
Trusted by
A selection of the organisations I've worked with, at home and abroad.
In their words
In their words
Endorsements from colleagues, clients and partners across two decades — a small selection of the recommendations on my LinkedIn profile.
Sven embodies a commendable blend of professionalism and approachability. He consistently demonstrated a genuine willingness to assist his colleagues and possesses excellent leadership qualities, adept at harnessing the strengths of each team member.
Ram Singh
Network Security Engineer · Enterprise Networking & Security
Worked on Sven's team at PSA Antwerp
I know Sven as an exceptionally empathetic, intelligent person who really puts the best out of you. As a team lead he had the ability to create this unique vibe that brought the best of everyone upfront. He's a go-getter who loves a challenge.
Lucas Delmarcel
NOC Engineer @ SpotIT
Reported to Sven
Sven has an excellent knowledge base on IT networks and beyond and, more importantly, the capacity to explain very technical aspects in a non-technical manner. He has a 'do' mentality and understands business needs — a very good colleague and team player.
Jeroen Meeuwissen
Functional Coordinator at PSA Antwerp / MPET / ATS
Worked with Sven on the same team
It's hard to find a more driven person than Sven. His IT infra and network skills are, amongst a lot of other knowledge, at least exceptional — combined with an extremely nice personality. Always helpful, always to the point, always the extra mile.
Bart Haepers
Infrastructure & Datacenter Architect at PSA Antwerp / MPET / ATS
Worked with Sven on the same team
We worked with Sven as our external Project Manager for a major infrastructure migration. Theoretically a piece of cake; in reality it would have turned into a real nightmare if it wasn't for the knowledge, experience, creativity and incredible never-give-in attitude of Sven. A true IT-consultant, a trustworthy Project Manager, a great person.
Ludo De Ryck
IT ERP, WMS & Business Processes — Consultancy & Management
Sven's client
Sven is an excellent and self-motivated project manager with boundless energy — a hardworking, achievement-oriented, knowledgeable geek. A person you can trust when you want to be sure that important tasks will be completed in a systematic and precise way.
Senne Vaeyens
Co-Founder / Managing Partner at Cloudar
Worked with Sven
It was a great joy to work with Sven as my project manager. He was always keen to give 110%, not only as a project manager but also in giving technical advice. Sven is really devoted to technology and to managing people.
Kris Brys
ICT Data Architect @ IDEWE
Reported to Sven
For over ten years I have consulted Sven on a regular basis for complex and challenging IT-related matters. Sven is a result-oriented overachiever with in-depth IT knowledge and experience, able to cope with tight deadlines. I strongly recommend him as a business partner.
Philip De Greve
Founder & Managing Partner at Pertinea Property Partners
Sven's client
Sven joined our team as a senior Rich Internet Application developer but soon evolved into a technical jack-of-all-trades, building a solid framework used by more than 50 designers and developers.
Sven Luyten
Unlocking talent, shaping collaborations
Managed Sven directly
If I had to choose a team of talented people, Sven would be near the top of my list. He has a profound technical knowledge and a mesmerising work ethic, keeps his cool under the most stressful conditions, and always gets the job done — on his own or in a team.
Stefan Verbakel
Operations Director at The Other Agency
Worked with Sven on the same team
It was always a pleasure to work with Sven because of his abundant enthusiasm. He enjoys sharing his passion for technology, explaining concepts one-on-one and presenting to groups. A very talented programmer and a perfectionist who isn't satisfied until the work reaches his high standards.
Keegan Street
Principal Engineer at REA Group
Worked with Sven on the same team
Sven is a walking dictionary when it comes to anything related to a computer. He'll help you out as much as he can, always open for a quick question, and is great at coding any language in a very structured manner. Always in a happy mood — a great colleague to have.
Karel Cardinaels
Managing Partner · Digital Strategist
Worked with Sven on the same team
Contact
Let's talk
Working on a transformation, a tough programme, or building a team that has to deliver? I'd be glad to help.
Antwerp, Belgium