Niels Vaessen Appointed the New CEO of Heesen

Effective from November 1st, Niels Vaessen will be Heesen’s new CEO, the company making the decision to promote from within its own ranks. Vaessen joined Heesen in 2012 as Finance Manager before being appointed as the CFO in 2013, a position he still holds today.

He will be taking over from Arthur Brouwer who greatly strengthened the company under his leadership. Appointed CEO in 2014, he certified the company’s position as a leader in the superyacht industry as well as modernising its portfolio. His remarkable leadership was put to the test, and proven, as he navigated the company through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.

Arthur Brouwer commented: ‘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. 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.’

Heesen has a workforce of one thousand people, building full-custom superyachts and series on speculation from 50 - 80 metres in aluminium and steel. The Dutch Yard has a bright future ahead of it, with an order book of 15 yachts with deliveries spanning through 2027. With an annual turnover of approximately 200 million Euros, Brouwer is handing over an incredibly healthy company. 

Niels Vaessen commented: ‘I feel honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility... 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.’ 

We at Superyachts.com would like to congratulate Arthur Brouwer on the incredible work he has done for Heesen over the past nine years, and wish Niels Vaessen the best of luck in his new position as CEO of one of the leading superyacht shipyards.