Following its acquisition earlier this year, Heesen Yachts is making a few new appointments. Jeroen van der Meer is the newest, as the superyacht shipyard’s chief executive officer.
A Dutch native, van der Meer grew up in the shipbuilding city of Vlissingen. He further grew up in a shipping family, since his father was a ship captain and later a maritime pilot. Van der Meer additionally has experience as a mechanical engineer and in manufacturing. In fact, he brings with him understanding of how to implement LEAN manufacturing principles and improving automation.
Van der Meer succeeds Niels Vaessen, who, according to a statement from Heesen, has parted ways mutually with the company. Vaessen worked at the company for 13 years, serving as chief financial officer just prior to CEO. “I have an immense respect for the craftspeople and colleagues at Heesen,” Vaessen says. “ I am grateful for my long service.”
Laurens Last (above), a Dutch investor and entrepreneur with a background in manufacturing, took over ownership of Heesen Yachts in April of this year. He acknowledges Vaessen’s dedication and says he looks forward to van der Meer’s contributions. “His deep understanding of manufacturing excellence and his proven ability to lead and inspire teams are precisely what we need,” Last notes. “We will enhance our production processes, invest in sustainable technologies, and strengthen the unique bond with our clients, their captains, and crew.”
“My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company,” van der Meer says. “By optimizing our processes and integrating advanced systems, we will empower our people to build the most innovative and reliable yachts on the water.” Furthermore, van der Meer says, the customer experience from first meeting to after-sales support will benefit.
Heesen Yachts is the only superyacht builder in The Netherlands with all specialties in house. This includes hull fabrication and luxury interiors manufacturing.
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com