Dutch shipbuilder Heesen Yachts has appointed Niels Vaessen as CEO, with effect from November 1.
In addition, supervisory board chairman Anjo Joldersma has announced his retirement and from November 1, Adse de Kock will be the new supervisory board chairman.
Niels joined Heesen in 2012 as finance manager after working at PwC for eight years. In 2013, the board appointed him as the CFO, a position he still holds today.
He will take over from Arthur Brouwer who has been at the helm of Heesen since 2014.
“I feel honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am grateful for the knowledge and insight I have gained while working with Arthur and Anjo,” said Niels.
Ultra-technological superyachts
“I am excited to contribute to the future successes of our shipyard, which is renowned for building ultra-technological superyachts. We are committed to investing in research and development to ensure that we continue to deliver the most innovative and reliable products to our clients.”
Arthur added: “I had the privilege to work in many different and interesting industries. Yachting is an exciting business, and it seems to be the perfect sector for ending my active career. I am leaving a healthy company with a robust and well-organised structure in good hands.”
Heesen has a workforce of 1,000 people and builds full-custom superyachts and series on speculation from 50m to 80m in steel and aluminium.
The boatbuilder has an orderbook of 15 yachts with deliveries spanning through 2027 and an annual turnover of approximately 200 million Euros.
