Tom De Waele

Tom De Waele is the managing partner of Bain's Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA) business, based in London. He is responsible for shaping the strategy and leading the operations of EMEA offices, eight industrial practices, and six centers of competence across the region. A key focus for De Waele in his new position is scaling the firm's work in AI, digital and data, deepening crucial capabilities in this area as Bain continues to experience high and rising demand for AI-related client programs.

Career History

• Managing Partner, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Bain & Company (January 2026–present)
• Managing Partner, Middle East Region, Bain & Company (2020–2025, based in Dubai)
• Partner and various leadership roles across Europe (working extensively with major multinational clients in Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK)
• Joined Bain & Company in 2003 in Brussels; moved to Middle East in 2008

De Waele's two decades of service at Bain spans a wide-ranging career in the firm's practices covering Financial Services, Private Equity, AI and Digital, and M&A. He was involved in a number of large post-acquisition transformations of private equity-owned companies across Europe, and has worked with leading financial services players across all key Middle Eastern markets on topics such as growth strategy, M&A with a focus on post-merger integration, digital transformation, distribution, and customer experience.

Education

De Waele holds a Master's degree in Engineering from the University of Antwerp in Belgium (magna cum laude) and an MBA from INSEAD, France.

What De Waele could bring to Regional Managing Partner, EMEA at Bain & Company:

De Waele's appointment builds on his extensive track record of expanding Bain's presence in underutilized markets. His 22 years with the firm and proven ability to scale operations through complex transformations—particularly in private equity-owned businesses and financial services restructurings—position him well to drive continued double-digit growth across EMEA's 65 cities and 40 countries. His emphasis on AI, digital transformation, and data capabilities aligns with the firm's strategic priorities as client demand for these services accelerates globally.