Baron Philippe Vlerick graduated in philosophy from the University of Leuven in 1977. He also holds a diploma in law (Leuven – 1978), a MBA General Management (PUB) (Ghent, Vlerick School of Management in 1979) and a Master degree of Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington (USA – 1980).

He is Chairman and Managing Director of B.I.C. Carpets, UCO and other Vlerick Group Businesses. He is Chairman of Besix, Smartphoto, Raymond UCO pvt. ltd, Pentahold, BICC&I (Belgo-Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Festival of Flanders and Vice-chairman of the KBC Group. Philip Vlerick is also on the board of various companies, other than Exmar NV. Those companies are: BMT, Mediahuis, L.V.D Company and Concordia Textiles.