The move comes shortly after the Dutch shipyard was acquired by entrepreneur Laurens Last and signals the start of a new strategic chapter for the company.
Van der Meer succeeds Niels Vaessen, who steps down following a 13-year tenure at Heesen, first as Chief Financial Officer and later as CEO. The shipyard expressed its gratitude to Vaessen for his service, noting his role in guiding the yard through significant growth and challenges.
Van der Meer’s Career Path
Raised in Vlissingen in a maritime family, van der Meer brings both heritage and expertise to his new position. His father’s career as a ship captain and later maritime pilot exposed him early to Dutch shipbuilding.
It is an honour to join this remarkable team. My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company."
CEO
Heesen Yachts
Trained as a mechanical engineer and holding an MBA from Eindhoven University, van der Meer built his career around restructuring complex manufacturing businesses, fostering investment, and introducing lean manufacturing systems. His reputation for improving automation and operational efficiency has marked him out as a leader well-suited to the evolving demands of yacht production.
Strategic Direction Under New Ownership
Heesen’s owner Laurens Last described the appointment as part of a clear long-term strategy. “Our goal is to build upon Heesen's legendary status by focusing relentlessly on quality, innovation, and the client experience,” Last said. He highlighted van der Meer’s strength in manufacturing excellence and leadership as key to advancing sustainability, refining production processes, and deepening client relationships.
Outgoing CEO Vaessen also commented on the transition, expressing respect for Heesen’s craftspeople and confidence in the shipyard’s future.
Heesen has confirmed that its leadership team, including van der Meer, will be present at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show from 24-27 September, where they will meet with clients, partners, and media.
Heesen Yachts on Display at Monaco
Although Heesen will not host a shoreside stand at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the shipyard’s presence on the water will remain strong.
Central to its showcase is the newly delivered 55m Solemates, the latest yacht in the Heesen 55 Steel series. Designed by Omega Architects with interiors by Luca Dini, Solemates features a striking exterior profile and a playful, colorful interior scheme, highlighted by a dramatic gold-and-crystal atrium. She represents the new generation of Heesen’s steel displacement yachts and will be the only yacht officially presented by the shipyard.
The 55m custom After You, first delivered in 2011 and refitted in 2022, is distinguished by her semi-displacement performance, Ken Freivokh interiors, and innovative layout with features such as a glass elevator and main deck pool.
After You is listed for sale on YachtBuyer and is currently asking €32,500,000.
The 50m Bijin, launched in 2015 and refitted this year, will appear in her refreshed state, exhibiting her expedition-ready profile, teak-lined interiors, and entertainment-focused amenities such as a foredeck DJ booth and teppanyaki grill.
Rounding out the quartet is Bliss, a 44m Heesen 4400 delivered in 2007 and comprehensively refitted in 2024. With her sleek dark hull, pop-art-inspired interiors, and 25-knot top speed, Bliss highlights the longevity and adaptability of Heesen’s earlier semi-displacement series.
Bliss is also listed for sale on YachtBuyer and is currently asking €12,900,000.
Heesen’s leadership change and revised show strategy mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Dutch shipyard. With van der Meer at the helm and four distinctive yachts on display in Monaco, the brand is emphasizing its craftsmanship and future direction through the vessels themselves.
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