Dieter Penninckx

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Who is Dieter Penninckx?

Dieter Penninckx is an engineer, family and football man, a scout for life, but above all an entrepreneur. As co-founder of fashion and lifestyle group FNG (which peaked to around €800 million turnover with brands such as Fred&Ginger, Brantano, Claudia Sträter and Swedish Ellos), he was one of Flanders' most promising entrepreneurs. Until May 2020, he was CEO of the group. Dieter was also the main shareholder of KV Mechelen for 5 years.

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  • The man in the arena

    The Man in the Arena presents a vulnerable account of a top entrepreneur. Not only did his baby FNG go belly up during the corona crisis, Dieter Penninckx himself spent 40 days in pre-trial detention. An event that left a big impression on him and his close circle. Knocked out in the arena for a long time, he slowly straightened up and wrote a candid book highlighting both his trophies and his scars. With 'The Man in the Arena', Dieter wants to tell his story, to look himself in the mirror and get back on his feet. But he also wants to encourage others in entrepreneurship, and he hopes that by sharing his scars, he can show other start-ups and entrepreneurs in the arena the way for a bit, give enthusiasm to persevere, but also offer comfort and courage when things go wrong. He brings anecdotes, musings and life lessons that veer from school, across the scouts, to his businesses and football. The stories give an insight into the life of an entrepreneur who flew high, fell deep and straightened up again.