DLA Piper appoints new Tax Partner in Brussels

DLA Piper has appointed Christopher Thompson, an experienced Transactions Tax and Indirect Tax partner, to its Brussels office. He starts on 8 January 2024, joining from a major international consultancy group, where he spent nearly 10 years leading tax teams in the asset management, insurance and banking sectors. Prior to that, he worked as a tax lawyer at a Magic Circle firm for over eight years.

Drawing on his extensive experience in operational taxes, VAT, registration duties and sector-specific levies as well as transactions, Christopher has gained recognition both for his technical skills and for his capacity to get difficult files across the line effectively and efficiently. His focus lies on tax advice (including tax ruling applications) and tax controversy. He possesses extensive knowledge of the financial services industry, together with prior experience in a variety of sectors, including the real estate, energy, and consumer goods sectors.

Christopher’s practice will complement the practice of Location Head Nicolas Engelmann. Nicolas advises both Belgian and multinational businesses, organisations and entrepreneurs on their Belgian and international direct tax issues. Together with their team, Nicolas and Christopher will ensure DLA Piper meets the ever-expanding needs of the tax market, with a view to achieving attractive and pragmatic solutions for clients, enabling them to expand or protect their business while ensuring tax compliance.

Kristof De Vulder, Country Managing Partner in Belgium, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our Tax Practice. Together with Nicolas, he will solidify our efforts to help companies navigate their way through the often complex local and international tax landscape, ensuring that compliance is met in the most efficient way possible, at all levels. This is another step in the expansion of our tax team in Belgium, which will ensure that we continue serving our clients with the in-depth expertise they require.”