Key highlights
- Jacques Vandermeiren, 62, is stepping down as CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
- Search for a new CEO starts immediately; COO Rob Smeets will serve as interim CEO.
- The organization begins a new strategic phase emphasizing cost efficiency and sustainable value creation.
- Vandermeiren oversaw the merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge during his tenure.
Leadership change
Jacques Vandermeiren, 62, will step down as CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the search for a successor starts immediately.
Interim management
COO Rob Smeets will assume the role of CEO ad interim and is charged with maintaining continuity of policy and day-to-day operations until a permanent appointment is made.
Strategic rationale
The board says the organisation is entering a new strategic phase that prioritises cost efficiency and sustainable value creation, and that a new CEO should design and implement the strategic plan from the outset.
Outgoing CEO's record
Vandermeiren has been CEO since January 2017 and during his tenure led the merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge and advanced initiatives on innovation and the greening of the sector.
