Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts has announced the appointment of Jeroen van der Meer as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, which will be effectuated in September 2025, comes as the latest change in the company following it’s acquisition by entrepreneur Laurens Last in April 2025.
Van der Meer succeeds Niels Vassen, who assumed the role in November 2023. The newly minted CEO comes from a mechanical engineering background and holds an MBA from Eindhoven University. His career has focused on restructuring, investment, and entrepreneurship within manufacturing businesses.
The shipyard is located in Oss, Netherlands, and focuses on the construction of custom-built aluminium and steel superyachts that range from 30 to 70 meters in length. In recent years, Heesen has entered into international markets, including the Middle East, appointing Hisham Abushakra as the regional agent. The builder’s Middle East office is in Dubai, UAE.
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“It is an honour to join this remarkable team. My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company. By optimising our processes and integrating advanced systems, we will empower our people to build the most innovative and reliable yachts on the water,” commented van der Meer on the occasion.
“ Jeroen’s appointment is a strategic move to accelerate this vision. His deep understanding of manufacturing excellence and his proven ability to lead and inspire teams are precisely what we need. Under his leadership, we will enhance our production processes, invest in sustainable technologies, and strengthen the unique bond with our clients, their captains, and crew,” added Heesen’s owner, Laurens Last.