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Billionaire Profile
Bart van Malderen
Global Rank
#2912

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Bart van Malderen

CEO, Drylock Technologies
BE
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.1B
As of December 2025
Age
59
Source
diapers
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
BE

Biography

Bart van Malderen is a Belgian entrepreneur, currently serving as the CEO and Chairman of Drylock Technologies, a company specializing in the manufacture of diapers and other hygiene products. His estimated net worth is $1.1 billion. Van Malderen's career has been centered in the manufacturing industry, specifically in the diapers sector. He founded Drylock Technologies in 2012, after spending 30 years at Ontex, a diaper producer founded by his father, where he served as CEO for 20 years. Van Malderen is also a shareholder of VGP, a real estate company.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Bart van Malderen was born on November 19, 1966, in Merchtem, Belgium. He is the son of Paul Van Malderen, the founder of Ontex, a company that produced diapers and feminine hygiene products. Van Malderen earned an MBA from the EU Business School in Montreux, Switzerland.

Rise to Success

Van Malderen's career began at Ontex, the family business, in 1986, where he spent 30 years, 20 of them as CEO. Under his leadership, Ontex grew to become a major player in the European market, with 26 acquisitions. Ontex went public in 1998. In 2007, he left Ontex. In 2012, after a non-compete agreement, he founded Drylock Technologies.

Key Business Strategies

Van Malderen's business strategy focused on innovation and efficiency. Drylock Technologies produces baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and incontinence diapers. Drylock's focus is on ultra-thin diapers with special absorbent polymers. He also invested in the German diaper webshop Lillydoo.

Philanthropy

In 2023, he provided financial support for the establishment of the think tank Stichting Merito and the magazine Doorbraak.

Career Milestones

1986

Joined Ontex

Began working at Ontex, the diaper company founded by his father.

1996

CEO of Ontex

Became the CEO of Ontex.

1998

Ontex went Public

Ontex went public on the Brussels Stock Exchange.

2007

Left Ontex

Left Ontex after 30 years.

2012

Founded Drylock Technologies

Founded Drylock Technologies, a diaper manufacturing company.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Media

Stichting Merito and Doorbraak

Undisclosed

Provided financial support in 2023.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"We're in a patent business. We register hundreds of patents every year. That's the only way we can make a difference."