Leadership
David Helmer - President & Chairman
North Carolina, United States
David is a passionate entrepreneur and investor with 45 years of experience in international companies and organizations. He founded Catalytik Group, which invests in and operates US, European, and East African companies engaged in Sports, Property Development, Distribution, Life Science, and Manufacturing. David is also a partner in multiple VC firms and part owner in Sporting Charleroi FC.
Lucas Cannoot - CEO
Kigali, Rwanda
Lucas has four decades of experience in Belgian National Football and expertise in elite youth formation. Lucas also held executive positions in the pharmaceutical and consumer sectors for three decades.
Over his four decades of football engagement in Belgium, Lucas has been an Assistant Coach for 3rd, 2nd, and 1st division teams and Head Coach for U19-U21 elite, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd division teams. He was also the Technical Director for RAEC Mons women’s football and Sporting Director in many national divisions. Lucas was a former teacher at URBSFA and a nine-time champion with various teams throughout his career.
Louis Derwa - Advisor
Brussels, Belgium
Louis has been a lawyer at the Brussels Bar since 1989. He has held the position of Partner at L.in.K since 2016.
In addition to his legal practice, Louis serves as a professor at EPHEC University College. He is also a deputy judge at the Commercial Court of Brussels and judge to the Automobile Court of the Royal Belgian Automobile Federation (RACB). He was an arbitrator at the Belgian Arbitration Sport Court (CBAS-BAS - Cour Belge d’Arbitrage pour le Sport) for 20 years.
As a former football player, Louis has counseled a professional club for many years. He has been a part of the Professional Licensing Commission of the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA). Moreover, he serves as legal counsel for various athletes, clubs, federations, and sports enterprises, defending their interests with a dedicated team of specialists.