Heesen Yachts has announced the appointment of Jeroen van der Meer as the yacht builder’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective as of September 2025. His predecessor Niels Vaessen will be departing from his role as CEO in a mutual agreement with the shipyard, which extends deep gratitude to Mr. Vaessen for a commendably dedicated thirteen years of service, first as Chief Financial Officer and then as CEO.
Jeroen van der Meer brings with him a lifelong passion for the sea, coupled with extensive leadership experience to Heesen. Growing up in Vlissingen immersed into the Dutch shipbuilding world, with a father who worked as a ship captain & then maritime pilot, helped him develop a deep connection to the industry even from that young age. Having trained as a Mechanical Engineer before earning an MBA from Eindhoven University, he has distinguished his career with a focus on strategic restructuring, investment, and driving entrepreneurship within complex manufacturing businesses. He is recognised for a consistently proven ability to increase operational excellence by improving automation while implementing lean manufacturing principles, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing the time it takes to get something to market. It is hoped that these experiences will aid him in optimizing Heesen’s production processes, while further elevating the ownership journey as a whole.
Heesen Yachts’ owner Laurens Last said, “We thank Niels for his dedication over the years and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Our goal is to build upon Heesen’s legendary status by focusing relentlessly on quality, innovation, and the client experience. 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.”
Jeroen van der Meer commented on his new role, “Heesen is a global icon in the superyacht world, built on a foundation of exceptional Dutch craftsmanship. 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. We will intensify our focus on the entire client journey, delivering an unparalleled ownership experience through meticulous attention to detail and world-class after-sales support. Our aim is not just to meet, but to anticipate our clients’ desires, making the Heesen experience second to none.”
Niels Vaessen added, “I have an immense respect for the craftspeople and colleagues at Heesen, and I am grateful for my long service at Heesen. I have full confidence in the shipyard’s continued success under the new ownership, which will steer the company into an exciting new chapter.”
Along with Mr. van der Meer, Heesen’s new leadership team will be present & available to meet with clients, partners, and the media at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the 24th to 27th of September 2025.
