Sophie Dutordoir was born in Ghent in 1962. She holds a master's degree in Roman philology from Ghent University, as well as a degree in commercial and financial sciences from EHSAL Management School. She has also successfully completed the General Management Programme at CEDEP, Fontainebleau. Between 1984-1989, Sophie was a spokesperson for several ministers, as well as an advisor to the Prime Minister.

In 1990, she joined Electrabel, where she was initially responsible for external communications. In 2003, she became a member of Electrabel's Board of Directors, charged with overseeing marketing and sales. In May 2007, she was appointed CEO of Fluxys and Fluxys LNG, a position she held until her return to Electrabel in 2009 as CEO of GDF SUEZ's Benelux & Germany Energy Division. Between 2014-2016, Sophie ran ‘Poppeia’, her very own delicatessen in Overijse. On 7 March 2017, Sophie was appointed CEO and Chairman of the SNCB Board of Directors. She is also an independent director at BNP Paribas Fortis.