Elke Toye is a finance leader who has built a strong and inspiring career in the energy sector. She is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VYNCKE, a global company based in Belgium that designs and builds clean energy systems. Elke is 36 years old and brings both professional skill and personal dedication to her work.
Elke Toye | Chief Financial Officer | VYNCKE
She studied Applied Economics and started her career as a financial auditor at BDO. Later, she became Finance Manager at Esterline, which is now known as Scioteq. Today, at VYNCKE, she plays a key role in guiding the company’s financial direction. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two boys, Henri and Nicolas. At EliteX, we are proud to have Elke Toye as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Business, 2025.
Elke grew up in a family where finance was a part of everyday life. Her father, brother, grandfather, and even her godfather all work(ed) in the financial world. Because of this, she was naturally drawn to business and finance. It wasn’t just about numbers for her-it was a way of thinking and problem-solving. However, she always wanted to do more than just follow in others’ footsteps. Her dream was to make her own mark, using finance not just for managing money but as a powerful tool for creating impact, solving problems, and helping businesses grow.
In the early days of her career, Elke faced the challenge of proving her value beyond technical skills. She realized that being good at numbers wasn’t enough-she needed to show that she could connect finance with the real needs of the business. This meant learning fast, listening carefully, and working closely with people from different parts of the company. By translating financial information into actions that helped the business succeed, she gained trust and respect as a leader. Finance became more than just a control function-it became a partner in progress.
“Believe in your value, and don’t wait for permission to lead.”
Elke’s idea of leadership is built on trust, clarity, and empowerment. She believes that a good leader helps others grow and succeed. She gives her team the space to take ownership and encourages them to see the bigger picture. She leads not by controlling every detail, but by building a strong environment where people feel supported and motivated.
One of the most memorable moments in her career was winning the CF’Hope Award by TRENDS in 2023. It was a big moment for her, not just because of the honor, but because it came from a renowned jury of CEOs and CFOs who recognized her efforts. This award confirmed that her way of leading-with purpose and clarity-was making a difference. It gave her more confidence and reminded her that being authentic and focused on impact leads to real success.
Elke believes that to succeed in today’s business world, one must be adaptable, open, and able to connect different ideas. Business is changing fast, and it’s not enough to just know your field-you have to understand people, trends, and how everything connects. She values a mix of skills and believes in continuous learning.
The energy industry, where Elke works, has gone through big changes in recent years. At VYNCKE, the team has always stayed ahead by thinking long-term and adapting early. Their company culture is deeply entrepreneurial-they don’t just wait for change; they prepare for it. Over time, VYNCKE has expanded into new areas like waste-to-energy and built strong partnerships, like the one with Bühler. These changes are not only about growth-they are about staying strong and ready for the future.
Looking ahead, Elke identifies three major trends shaping VYNCKE and the energy sector over the next five years.
First, a stronger focus on core strengths-staying true to what VYNCKE does best.
Second, expanding their presence in local regions to stay close to customers and respond swiftly.
Third-and most importantly-is the strategic investment in their people. Elke believes that innovation, trust, and real solutions come from passionate and committed teams. In a rapidly evolving landscape, equipping people with the right skills-including digital and AI capabilities-will be a key competitive advantage.
“Leadership is not about control-it’s about trust, clarity, and helping others succeed.”
For young women who want to follow in her footsteps, Elke’s message is simple: believe in your value. Don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s your turn. Be curious, speak up, and question things. And find people who will support and guide you-mentors and allies who want to see you succeed. Elke also believes that women in business need to support each other. By sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and celebrating wins, women can lift each other up. She says it’s important to show that ambition is natural for women and that leadership should be visible, inclusive, and respected.
Elke draws inspiration from many people around her-especially those who lead with honesty, vision, and care. One key figure in her journey is Els Verbraecken, the former CFO of DEME. At a time when Elke was unsure about her path, Els helped her find direction. She guided her to think strategically and to create a five-year plan. That conversation changed Elke’s outlook and reminded her of the importance of long-term thinking.
Balancing work and personal life has always been a learning process for Elke. She is intentional about how she spends her time and believes that doing the right things well matters more than doing everything. She works from home one or two days a week when possible, which helps her stay connected to her family. Weekends are reserved for her sons, especially cheering them on at soccer matches. These moments are important to her and give her energy for the week ahead.
One of Elke’s proudest accomplishments is the transformation of the finance team at VYNCKE. It’s not just about better systems or structures – it’s about people. This evolution wasn’t driven by expanding headcount, but by unlocking the full potential of the existing team. Elke began by identifying key knowledge gaps and strategically bringing in temporary external support to bridge those gaps and transfer expertise. Rather than relying on external solutions long-term, she focused on educating, supporting, and growing her team from within. This approach has infused the team with fresh energy, blending experience with new insights. Over time, team members have grown in confidence, taken on leadership roles, and become more autonomous. Elke’s vision has always been to build a team that doesn’t need her to oversee every step-a team that leads, learns, and grows independently.
Because of this strong foundation, VYNCKE’s finance function has been able to look outward more-building partnerships, exploring different financing solutions and risk mitigation strategies, and supporting the company’s big goals. Finance is now a driver of strategy and impact, not just a background operation.
Looking to the future, Elke hopes to leave a legacy of courage, collaboration, and constant growth. She wants to show that leadership can be both strong and kind, and that women can shape business in powerful, positive ways. She dreams of becoming an ambassador for inclusive leadership and joining advisory boards where she can share her knowledge beyond her own company. By doing this, she hopes to help others learn, grow, and succeed-just as she has.
“Finance isn’t just about numbers-it’s a tool to drive real impact, transformation, and long-term value.”
Elke Toye’s journey is a story of purpose, passion, and progress. She proves that finance can be more than numbers-it can be a force for good. Through her leadership, she is shaping a better future, not just for her company, but for the entire business world.