One of the biggest global vessel builders has announced a change in its structure and a new chief executive
Damen Shipyards Group is switching to a divisional structure to serve the market more effectively and efficiently as it replaces the key person at the top.
This global builder of tugs, offshore support vessels, dredgers and ferries, as well as other types of ship, has announced Arnout Damen will become the new chief executive officer of Damen Shipyards from 1 January 2020.
Mr Damen takes over from René Berkvens, who has been chief executive of Damen Shipyards for more than 13 years. Mr Berkvens will move to be part of the supervisory board in 2020.
Mr Damen has been preparing for the move to chief executive of Damen Shipyards for many years. Over the past nine years he has been a member of the group’s executive board, responsible for operations and commercial affairs.
In his new position as chief executive, his Mr Damen’s first priority is the further implementation of the divisional structure.
“Preparations for this have been going on for several months,” Mr Damen said. “We will be officially switching from 1 January.”
Jan-Wim Dekker will take over Mr Damen’s current role of chief commercial officer on 1 January 2020.
“Damen is known as an innovative and dynamic company that works very closely with its clients,” said Mr Damen.
“We would like to maintain this. The switch to a divisional structure has become logical to remain close to the various markets and to further expand our leading position in the fields of quality, digitalisation and sustainability.”
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