Arnaud De Wael
About Arnaud De Wael
Arnaud De Wael serves as the Director of the Administrative Council Secretariat at the European Patent Office, a position he has held since 2020. He has extensive experience in financial management and compliance, having worked in various roles at the European Patent Office and previously at Société Générale.
Work at European Patent Office
Arnaud De Wael has held multiple positions at the European Patent Office (EPO) since 1991. He currently serves as the Director of the Administrative Council Secretariat, a role he has occupied since 2020. Previously, he worked as Director a.i. of the Administrative Council Secretariat from 2018 to 2020. His earlier roles at EPO include Management Controller from 1991 to 1995, Change Manager - Finance from 2006 to 2009, Administrator of the Secretariat of the Administrative Council from 2016 to 2018, Head of Management Accounting from 2010 to 2016, and Internal Auditor/Production Controller from 1996 to 2006. His extensive tenure at EPO highlights his deep involvement in various financial and administrative functions.
Education and Expertise
Arnaud De Wael has a strong educational background. He studied at the Institut d'Etudes politiques de Paris, where he earned a Diplôme equivalent to an MBA in Economics, Statistics, and Public Law in 1984. He furthered his studies at Université Paris-Sorbonne, achieving a DEA in History from 1983 to 1988. His expertise includes long-term financial modeling and pension fund compliance, indicating a solid foundation in financial planning and regulatory requirements.
Background
Before joining the European Patent Office, Arnaud De Wael worked at Société Générale as a credit analyst from 1988 to 1991. His experience in the banking sector provided him with insights into financial analysis and risk assessment, which he later applied in his roles at EPO. His career reflects a consistent focus on finance and administration, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of organizational processes.
Achievements
Throughout his career at the European Patent Office, Arnaud De Wael has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and driving change within the organization. His roles have involved significant responsibilities in financial management and administrative oversight, showcasing his proactive approach to enhancing operational efficiency. His extensive experience in various financial roles has positioned him as a key figure in the EPO's financial strategy and governance.