Michel Hofman

Michel Hofman (28 April 1961), is a Belgian Admiral who served as the Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces from 10 July 2020 to 4 July 2024. Prior to his post, he served as the Vice-Chief of Defence.

Education and Background Hofman was born in Ostend, but moved to Brussels at a young age. He finished high school at the Royal Cadet School at Brussels, before entering the Royal Military Academy in 1978 as a candidate naval officer, studying social and military sciences (118th All weapons class). He also studied at the École de guerre - Terre (formerly College Interarmées de Défense) at France in 2000.

He was assigned in several positions on board the ships of the Belgian Navy, ranging from minesweepers, mine hunters and frigates. From 1991 and 1997, he served at the Operations School of the Belgian Navy in Bruges, and later on board the M917 Crocus, where he took part in the operations during the Gulf War, and the F911 Westdiep. He also served at the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (STANAVFORLANT). In autumn 1997, he joined the Chief of Defence staff, Vice Admiral Herteleer.

On July 10, 2020, he was named as the new Chief of Defence, replacing General Marc Compernol.

On 4 July 2024 he was succeeded as Chief of Defence by Frederik Vansina.

Awards

Personal life Hofman is Bilingual, Dutch-French. He is married, father of 5 children. The family lives in Ostend.