Dual milestone: Whyte Corporate Affairs and Public Matters join forces to become the new Benelux market leader and launch Whyte EU

Brussels, 9 October 2025 – Whyte Corporate Affairs (Brussels, Antwerp) confirms its frontrunner role and continues its growth trajectory in the market of corporate communication and public affairs. Together with renowned Dutch consultancy Public Matters (The Hague, Amsterdam, Brussels) it now forms the largest independent Corporate Affairs group in the Benelux region. Moreover, Whyte Corporate Affairs launches Whyte EU, a new Brussels based European public affairs firm.

Whyte Corporate Affairs and Public Matters join forces to create ’the’ Benelux Powerhouse in strategic communications and public affairs

Whyte Corporate Affairs and Public Matters share a similar vision and approach to corporate affairs, the integrated approach of corporate communication and public affairs. Both consultancies are committed to supporting organizations in navigating complex stakeholder environments, shaping public perception, managing issues and reputation, anticipating regulatory developments and dealing with transformation. While both agencies will continue to work independently on their respective markets, they have the capacity to offer the joint Benelux offering that international clients are asking for.

Clients will benefit from a broader regional reach, cross-border alignment of strategies, deeper local insights and in-depth specialization, fueled by the group’s entrepreneurial culture. Joint focus: securing clients’ license to operate.

Together, Whyte Corporate Affairs and Public Matters generate a consolidated annual revenue of €14 million with a combined team of 85 consultants, underscoring their position as the leading independent corporate affairs consultancy in the Benelux. Together with the launch of Whyte EU, this combination forms a unique Benelux group, offering clients seamless access to strategic expertise in Brussels, The Hague, and beyond.

"By joining forces with Public Matters and launching Whyte EU, we are building a truly Benelux-wide consultancy that combines deep local expertise with a strong European outlook. Our ambition is to help organizations thrive in a rapidly changing environment, with integrity, creativity, and impact." — Joris Bulteel, Founding Partner Whyte Corporate Affairs

Whyte EU: a new European public affairs firm, riding the EU’s momentum

Whyte EU believes in a pro-European approach, constructive dialogue, coalition-building, and solutions that benefit both business and society.

Two seasoned EU Public Affairs experts will take up the leadership of Whyte EU: Karel Van Eetvelt as Managing Director and Partner and Thomas Tindemans as Partner and Senior Advisor. Van Eetvelt — widely known as former CEO of UNIZO and later FEBELFIN, and more recently CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Brussels — brings decades of experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy to the team. Thomas Tindemans, a Brussels‑based EU public affairs veteran, has led complex files for corporate, governmental and NGO clients and previously served as CEO/Chairman of Hill+Knowlton Brussels after heading the public affairs practice at White & Case LLP, the law firm. Together with an experienced and rapidly expanding team from various EU member states, they will advise and support Whyte EU’s clients across the European policy landscape.

“As from our first talks, I was immediately intrigued by the story and vision behind Whyte Corporate Affairs. I’m excited to bring my experience and insights to this new venture, and to work again alongside Thomas Tindemans to give this start-up the momentum it deserves from day one.” — Karel Van Eetvelt, Managing Director and Partner, Whyte EU

A new chapter of independent yet bold growth and professionalization

Over the past years, Whyte Corporate Affairs realized a steady, organic growth at a rate of over 10% per year. Joining forces with Public Matters and the launch of Whyte EU represent a major next step in building a strong communications and public affairs group in the heart of Europe.

“The Belgian and Dutch economies show increasing interconnection, and the Benelux countries are the pioneers of the European Union. This new group reflects that dual reality.” - Eveline De Ridder, Founding Partner, Whyte Corporate Affairs

The new group remains committed to investing in talent, further specialization of its services, and entering new markets, while staying true to its values of independence, entrepreneurship and excellence.