Port of Antwerp-Bruges names Rob Smeets CEO
- Rob Smeets appointed CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges for a six-year term.
- He succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced his departure on 14 April 2026.
- Smeets has worked at the Port Authority for more than 20 years and has served as Chief Operations Officer since 2019.
- He led the Towage Department from 2014, became nautical operations director in 2017, and acted as interim CEO after Vandermeiren’s announcement.
Appointment
The Board of Directors has appointed Rob Smeets as CEO of the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority for a six-year term, following a selection process that assessed a wide range of candidates. He succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced he would step down on 14 April 2026.
Experience and roles
Smeets has worked for the Port Authority for more than twenty years. He led the Towage Department from 2014, became nautical operations director in 2017, joined the Executive Committee as Chief Operations Officer in 2019, and served as interim CEO after Vandermeiren’s departure.
Board rationale and context
The Board cited Smeets’ long internal experience, in-depth operational knowledge and familiarity with the stakeholder landscape. They highlighted his experience managing large budgets, investment programmes and change processes and said he can guide the port through significant investment, a shifting geopolitical context and challenges facing European industry.
Leadership statements
Smeets expressed gratitude to the Board and said he aims to continue building the port’s impact and strengthen its global position. Chair Johan Klaps emphasised continuity, stakeholder reconciliation and pragmatic leadership, while Vice-Chair Dirk De fauw pointed to a swift but thorough selection process and confidence in Smeets to prepare the port for a challenging future.
Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
