Stijn Christiaens is a Belgian entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Collibra, a leading data intelligence and governance company. Founded in 2008 in Brussels, Belgium, Collibra has grown into a global leader in data management solutions, helping organizations catalog, govern, and utilize their data effectively. Under Christiaens' leadership as CEO from inception until 2022, the company secured significant venture capital funding, including investments from Thoma Bravo, and expanded its operations internationally, with headquarters now in New York City. His vision for Collibra stemmed from recognizing the need for better data governance in an increasingly data-driven world, positioning the company as a key player in enterprise software.

Prior to Collibra, Christiaens worked in the tech sector, gaining experience in software development and IT consulting. He holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from KU Leuven, one of Belgium's top universities, which provided the technical foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits. After stepping down as CEO in 2022, Christiaens transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman at Collibra, continuing to influence its strategic direction while focusing on broader industry advocacy for data ethics and intelligence. His career highlights his role in bridging European innovation with American markets, contributing to the global tech ecosystem.