Our History
SD Worx: 80 Years of People, Progress, and Purpose (1945–2025)
A Legacy built by visionaries
The story of SD Worx is one of transformation, innovation, and people. Since its founding in 1945, five visionary leaders - Jos Van den Eede, Jan van den Nieuwenhuijzen, Filip Dierckx, Steven Van Hoorebeke, and Kobe Verdonck - have each left a lasting mark on the company’s evolution.
From humble beginnings to trusted partner (1945–1985)
SD Worx, then called ‘Sociale Dienst’, was founded in Antwerp (Belgium) in 1945, in the wake of the Second World War, to support small businesses with payroll and social legislation. Jos Van den Eede, a young professional from Kredietbank, was tasked with building the new organisation. Under his leadership, the company embraced early computing technologies in the 1960s and became known for its legal expertise and customer service. By the 1980s, SD Worx had grown into a respected and innovative organisation.
Becoming a market leader (1985–2010)
In 1985, Jan van den Nieuwenhuijzen took over and led the company through a period of remarkable transformation. The organisation rebranded from “Sociale Dienst VEV” to SD Worx, reflecting its broader ambitions beyond Flanders. During Jan’s tenure, SD Worx became the market leader in Belgium and expanded internationally. The company introduced new services such as consulting, HR software, training, and outsourcing, and established the Payroll Services Alliance to support clients with international operations.
Strategic growth and global ambitions (2011–2019)
Under the chairmanship of Filip Dierckx and the leadership of CEO Steven Van Hoorebeke, SD Worx focused on profitability and international growth. The company made strategic acquisitions in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, and underwent a legal restructuring to attract external investment. By 2019, SD Worx had become a highly profitable, pan-European HR services provider. Steven Van Hoorebeke’s time at the helm was marked by a strong focus on efficiency, a renewed company culture, and the foundation for future expansion.
A unified European powerhouse (2019–Today)
In 2019, Kobe Verdonck became CEO, bringing with him extensive international experience and a bold vision: to make SD Worx the leading European provider of HR solutions. Under his leadership, the company expanded to 26 markets, with half of its revenue now generated outside Belgium. SD Worx has become a unified European organisation, offering end-to-end HR solutions through both services and software, with a strong focus on customer value and local expertise.
From payroll to people solutions
What began as a small support service has become a trusted partner for organisations across Europe, offering comprehensive HR solutions. SD Worx’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of people. Every employee is part of this legacy, contributing to a company that continues to shape the future of work. It is a history to be proud of.
