[1] He graduated in chemistry and economy at the Catholic University of Leuven.
Ulens started his career at Glaverbel at the new products division in 1969.
In 1981, Glaverbel was acquired by the Asahi Glass Company (AGC) of Japan.
Ulens returned to Europe in 1995, joined the board of directors of the Glaverbel Group and managed the Architectural Glass unit.
In 2005, he was appointed head of AGC Flat Glass.