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Niels Vaessen takes the helm at Heesen Yachts

by Mariska Buitendijk | Oct 26, 2023 | News , Ship design , Shipbuilding , Yachts

From 1 November, Niels Vaessen will be the new CEO of Heesen Yachts. Vaessen has served as CFO of the yacht builder for more than a decade and now takes over from Arthur Brouwer.

Vaessen 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.

Brouwer has been at the helm of Heesen since 2014. Under his leadership, the shipyard strengthened its position as a leader in the superyacht industry and modernised its portfolio. Additionally, Brouwer successfully navigated the company through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.

Also read: VIDEO: Heesen joins hull and superstructure of Project Orion

Healthy order book

With a workforce of 1000 people, Heesen builds full-custom superyachts and series on speculation from 50 to 80 metres in steel and aluminium. Heesen looks confidently into the future with a healthy order book of fifteen yachts whose deliveries span through 2027. Brouwer leaves a healthy company with an annual turnover of approximately EUR 200 million.

At the same time, Supervisory Board Chairman Anjo Joldersma has also indicated that it is time for his retirement. From November 1, Adse de Kock will be the Supervisory Board Chairman.

Also read: Heesen applies Finsulate antifouling on superyacht

‘I had the privilege to work in many different and interesting industries,’ says Brouwer. ‘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 needs a CEO with good industry knowledge, a well-connected network, and a deep understanding of the shipbuilding process and the commercial dynamics. Niels and I worked closely together for many years and have overcome some challenges. I am proud of the results we have accomplished. I wish Niels, Rick van de Wetering, Mark Cavendish and the whole team fair winds and following seas.’

Vaessen adds: ‘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. I would like to thank them for the passion and work they have put into our company for all these years. 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. As one of the largest employers in Noord-Brabant, we will continue to collaborate with our local community and contribute to the development of our region. Our worldwide success has deep roots in our hometown and is the result of great teamwork by our highly-skilled people.’

Picture: Niels Vaessen (by Georges van Wensween).

Also read: Heesen’s largest steel motoryacht to date hits the water

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