Heesen appoints Vaessen as CEO

Niels Vaessen will become the new CEO of Dutch shipyard Heesen.

Dutch shipyard Heesen has appointed Niels Vaessen as its new CEO from November.

Vaessen joined Heesen in 2012 as finance manager and moved to CFO the following year.

He will take over from Arthur Brouwer who has been in the role since 2014.

The yard has a workforce of 1,000 people and has an order book of 15 yachts with deliveries stretching into 2027. It has an annual turnover of about €200m, according to a statement.

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“I am excited to contribute to the future successes of our shipyard, which is renowned for building ultra-technological superyachts,” said Vaessen.

“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.”

Brouwer said he was leaving a “healthy company” in “good hands”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”