German superyacht builder Blohm+Voss has appointed Fred van Beers as its new CEO.
Beginning 1 March 2015, Fred van Beers will replace Dr Herbert Aly as Blohm+Voss CEO with a focus on growing its luxury yacht business. Van Beers will also be tasked with strengthening the company's position in repairs and conversions, with a focus on cruise ships and offshore commercial vessels.
The first goal is seen in the renown custom yacht builder's recent move into semi-custom yacht building. Blohm+Voss presented its first semi-custom BV80 superyacht in September 2014, just before the Monaco Yacht Show.
Van Beers comes from a 15-year background in the maritime sector, coming to Blohm+Voss from his previous role as Vice President Services Northern Europe at Wärstilä. He also is a qualified ship engineer who spent four years at sea, and he has led yacht design, engineering, production and aftermarket services.
"I admire Blohm+Voss for having delivered some of the most iconic yachts over the last 80 years – ranging from Savarona, delivered in 1931, to Graceful delivered in 2014," says van Beers. "I am committed to highest quality engineering and project management. I share Blohm+Voss' strategic vision and look forward to further developing the business with my new colleagues".
Ernst von Freyberg, Head of the Supervisory Board of Blohm+Voss, says, "We welcome Fred van Beers. He is an exceptionally skilled leader with a long track record in the maritime industry. As owners, we are committed to a long-term viable growth plan for Blohm+Voss. On behalf of the owners, the supervisory board and the entire team, I would like to thank Dr Herbert Aly for leading Blohm+Voss over the last years."
After joining Blohm+Voss in 2004 as managing director, Dr Aly initiated the Blohm+Voss change of ownership in 2012, which brought the builder back on track to build superyachts.