SPEEDWELL Appoints New Country Manager for Romania
SPEEDWELL Development announced the appointment of Yannick Van de Parre as Country Manager for Romania. In this new role, Yannick will support the co-founders Jan Demeyere and Didier Balcaen with the executive management of SPEEDWELL Romania, ensuring operational efficiency across all projects and leading the local team as the company continues its growth in the region.
“I am honoured to take on this role and build on the legacy that Jan and Didier have created,” said Yannick Van de Parre, Country Manager SPEEDWELL Romania. “Their dedication has established SPEEDWELL as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the real estate industry. Together with our talented team, we will continue to deliver landmark projects, with a strong focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and creating communities where people thrive.”
Since joining the company in 2021, Yannick has played a crucial role as COO in streamlining the design and execution of the company’s projects. Aside from ensuring the quality of the delivered projects, Yannick has been actively involved in advancing SPEEDWELL’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. His leadership has driven the implementation of sustainable practices, digital innovation, and smart technologies across projects, key pillars that remain at the heart of the company’s vision and approach to urban development.
With Yannick now overseeing the day-to-day operations of SPEEDWELL Romania, co-founders Jan Demeyere and Didier Balcaen will focus more closely on the company’s commercial strategy. Their efforts will centre on land acquisitions, leasing, sales, and the transaction of completed assets across both Romania and Poland, supporting SPEEDWELL’s ongoing expansion and reinforcing its position in the regional market.
“We are proud of the solid foundation we’ve built at SPEEDWELL over the past decade,” said Jan Demeyere, Co-founder of SPEEDWELL. “With Yannick managing the executive side of the Romanian business, Didier and I can concentrate on expanding our portfolio and developing new commercial partnerships.”
Didier Balcaen, Co-founder of SPEEDWELL, added: “This new structure allows us to move quickly and capitalize on strategic opportunities across the region. Yannick’s operational expertise and his skills to motivate the team make him the right person to take SPEEDWELL into its next phase of growth”.
Recent Milestones and Ongoing Developments
In 2024, SPEEDWELL marked several achievements; SpacePlus Chitila, the company’s first logistics development for SMEs, was fully leased, confirming its quality and efficiency. Construction began at GLENWOOD ESTATE, a premium residential villa project near Bucharest, following the receipt of its building permit. Work also started on the third and final building of TRIAMA Residence, continuing the company’s strong presence in the residential market.
Work progresses on THE MEADOWS, an exclusive residential project by Grivița Lake, and on THE IVY, SPEEDWELL’s flagship residential development in Băneasa. In Timișoara, the mixed-use urban regeneration project PALTIM is underway, alongside preparations for the redevelopment of the former 1 IUNIE S.A. textile factory site into a new mixed-use urban community.
In Brașov, SPEEDWELL is set to launch construction on TINO, a mixed-use development designed to foster a sustainable, community-oriented lifestyle.
Expansion into Poland
Following its successful track record in Romania, SPEEDWELL expanded into Poland in mid-2024. With operations now active in both Warsaw and Gdańsk, the company is advancing a pipeline of developments that underscore its commitment to quality, sustainability, and forward-thinking urban design. Among these is MILESTONE Warsaw Mokotów, SPEEDWELL’s first student housing project, which will deliver 675 beds across 565 rooms—marking the company’s entry into Poland’s student accommodation sector. Additionally, in partnership with BPI Polska, SPEEDWELL will develop a premium residential project comprising 550 units, located in the heart of Gdańsk.
Looking Ahead
SPEEDWELL’s pipeline includes the upcoming QUEENS District in northern Bucharest, a landmark mixed-use development combining office, retail, residential, and healthcare spaces. QUEENS District is designed to be one of Romania’s first zero-carbon office projects and is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2027.
Under Yannick’s leadership, SPEEDWELL will continue to prioritize the integration of ESG principles, smart technologies, and digital innovation as part of its strategy to create sustainable, future-proof developments. His focus on operational efficiency and resilient urban communities aligns with the company’s long-term vision.
With Yannick managing the day-to-day business, Jan and Didier will continue as the commercial faces of the company, focusing on securing new opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and ensuring SPEEDWELL’s leadership in both the Romanian and Polish markets.