Inge Opreel

Inge Opreel is a seasoned technology leader who has been a driving force within Farys for over 25 years. Serving as Chief Information Officer, she has been instrumental in shaping the technological trajectory of the inter-municipal partnership, which provides essential services in drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and sports facilities. Inge is recognised for her ability to act as a translator and orchestrator, adeptly applying a diverse skill set to meet the unique needs of the organisation and its stakeholders.

Her career at Farys began in 1997 in a controlling role, but she quickly transitioned into ICT in 2001 to assist with an ERP implementation. Since 2004, she has held various leadership positions within the ICT department, overseeing critical projects such as the insourcing of customer management and billing, the introduction of management reporting, and the implementation of OT and GIS systems. This deep-rooted history has given her an unparalleled understanding of the business she serves.

As CIO, Inge is responsible for developing the long-term ICT vision and strategy, translating the strategic business plan into a concrete ICT roadmap and enterprise architecture. Her leadership has been pivotal in positioning Farys as a global reference in the water sector, culminating in the prestigious SAP Global Innovation Award for the ‘Smart Water Platform’. She also holds final ICT responsibility within SYNDUCTIS and for the Flemish sector collaboration ‘Digital Water Meter’.

Inge’s leadership philosophy is centered on positioning ICT as a department for value creation rather than a cost center. She achieves this by ensuring her team remains deeply connected to the business, enabling them to contribute to informed decision-making and develop solutions that are both efficient and TCO-friendly. A key aspect of Inge’s influence is her commitment to building sustainable relationships and sharing expertise beyond the walls of her own organisation. As a frequently requested keynote speaker at international conferences, she has established herself as a true IT influencer, elevating the profile of Farys within the global utilities sector. This external focus is balanced with a strong internal commitment to celebrating successes and ensuring her team remains motivated and resilient. The ambition is clear: to demonstrate how a public company can be a leader in efficiency, innovation, and transformation.