Thijs’ appointment completes the change-over at the top of the bank. Last year chairman Jan Huyghebaert was replaced by Thomas Leysen, and CFO Luc Philips by Luc Popelier.

Thijs was born in Limburg in 1965 and studied applied mathematics and actuarial science – the mathematics at the basis of insurance and finance – at the University of Leuven. He started his career with ABB Insurance, which a decade later was merged into the group now known as KBC. He joined the board of the Belgian division in 2008, and a year later became a member of the management committee and CEO of the division.

His appointment brings to an end the uncertainty over the composition of the triumvirate at the head of the bank, and in particular the place of Vanhevel. He postponed his retirement in 2009 to step into the CEO job, at a difficult time for KBC. According to a statement, Vanhevel, who had been criticised for lack of leadership, has now taken the opportunity to step down.

Last week KBC divested itself of the Polish Kredyt Bank, the last major sale imposed on the bank by the EU Commission in return for the grant of aid from the federal and Flemish governments. KBC traditionally appoints from the inside, and Thijs’ previous experience means there will be little transition required before he can start operating at full capacity.

KBC, following its imposed slim-down, will now also be turning its attention more to the domestic market, so his three years as head of the Belgian division now looks almost like a grooming period.

“With Johan Thijs, the board has chosen an energetic leader with a proven track record of success throughout his career,” Leysen said. “With the support of his colleagues in the Executive Committee, I believe he will lead KBC to a new level of performance.”