Arnout Damen Now CEO Of Damen Shipyards Group

As of January 1, Arnout Damen is the new CEO of Damen Shipyards Group. At the same time, the shipbuilding company is switching to a divisional structure to serve the market more effectively and efficiently.

Arnout Damen takes over from René Berkvens, who has been the CEO of Damen Shipyards Group for more than 13 years.

“We are extremely indebted to René for his commitment as our company’s top executive,” said Kommer Damen. “Under his leadership, Damen has grown into a globally operating, leading player. We are therefore pleased that he continues to use his knowledge, network and experience for the company in preparation for his accession to the Supervisory Board.”

Damen Shipyards Group is a globally operating company with more than 50 shipyards, repair yards, and related companies − as well as numerous partner yards that can build Damen vessels locally. Since 1969 it has designed and built more than 5000 vessels and delivers up to 150 vessels annually. The company was founded in 1927 by brothers Jan and Marinus Damen. Jan Damen’s son, Kommer Damen, took over the company in 1969. Arnout is the third generation of Damens to run the company.

Arnout Damen has been preparing for the move to CEO 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 CEO, his first priority is the further implementation of the divisional structure.

“Preparations for this have been going on for several months. We will be officially switching from 1 January,” Arnout Damen said. “Damen is known as an innovative and dynamic company that works very closely with its clients. We would like to maintain this. With the growth of recent years, 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, digitalization and sustainability.”

In his position as Chief Commercial Officer, Arnout Damen was replaced by Jan-Wim Dekker.