Tributes have been paid to Stephan Colle, Belgotex founder after he died aged 66.
Colle died at his home near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on 4 May, surrounded by his family after suffering from cancer.
He shaped the global flooring market for decades, including founding Associated Weavers.
In 1983, the newly married Colle – he had married Ann De Clerck, daughter of Beaulieu founder Roger De Clerck – was sent to South Africa by his father-in-law to look after Beaulieu’s interests in KwaZulu-Natal. What began as overseeing a local factory grew under his leadership into a global player.
Through Belgotex Group, he created an international footprint with production sites across Brazil, South Africa, Belgium, and France, and distribution networks spanning the world.
He is survived by his wife, three children, and grandchildren. His eldest son, Edward, followed in his father’s footsteps within the company in South Africa. In addition to Belgotex Group, Colle and his wife held a substantial stake in Beaulieu International Group (BIG).
‘Stephan was a remarkable person. He combined an extraordinary work ethic with a genuine warmth that touched everyone around him. A true entrepreneur, he helped build and shape the global flooring industry, always driven by passion and vision,’ says AW.
‘Despite his global success, he led his companies with a strong sense of family—something that defined both his leadership and his life. Above all, Stephan was a devoted family man, deeply proud of his children and grandchildren. That same care and humanity were felt throughout the organisations he built.
‘He was a true flooring man at heart, and an inspiration to many.
He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.’
‘We are deeply saddened that Stephan Colle has passed away. Stephan, former ceo, and family shareholder of Beaulieu, dedicated many years of his life to our company and played an important role in our history, including serving as chairman and ceo from 2019 to 2021,’ says BIG.
‘We will remember him as a warm and open person, deeply committed to the company and its people. He will be greatly missed.’
‘Stephan built Belgotex South Africa from the ground up, not just as a business, but as a community of people bound by a shared commitment to quality, integrity and human connection. He had a rare ability to think big while remaining deeply grounded and genuinely interested in the people around him,’ says Evan Lockhart-Barker, Belgotex ceo.
‘His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy is alive in this organisation. We extend our sincerest condolences to Anne, his children, Edward, Helen, and Alice, the extended Colle family, and all who knew him. Stephan’s legacy lives on in every person he shaped, every relationship he built, and every step taken on a Belgotex floor.
‘We are grieving this loss together and deeply grateful for Stephan’s life, leadership, and legacy. He leaves behind a remarkable organisation and a standard of thinking big while remaining grounded and human.’
