Blohm+Voss has announced the appointment of Fred van Beers as its new CEO. As of March 1st 2015, van Beers will take over from Dr. Herbert Aly to lead Blohm+Voss’ growth strategy as well as strengthen the leading position of the company in general repairs and conversions with a specific focus for cruise ships and vessels for the offshore industry.
Fred van Beers has held senior leadership positions in the maritime industry for more than 15 years. He joins Blohm+Voss from his current position as Vice President Services Northern Europe at Wärtsilä, the global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the maritime industry and energy markets.
Also a qualified ship engineer, van Beers has worked out at sea for four years, as well as leading all stages of design, engineering, production and aftermarket services. Throughout his career at Wärtsilä and his positions in various maritime industry organisations in the Netherlands and Europe, he has built up an extensive international network within the community of yacht and ship owners, yacht designers, shipyards and the maritime supply industry. For the past 20 years delivery of systems and services for yachts has been part of Fred van Beers his responsibilities.
He comments, "I admire Blohm+Voss for having delivered some of the most iconic yachts over the last 80 years – ranging from the Savarona delivered in 1931 to the “Graceful in 2014. 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.”
Dr Herbert Aly joined Blohm+Voss as a Managing Director in 2004 and became Spokesman of the Management Board in 2008. He successfully focused the business on the three areas: cruise ships, offshore units and yachts. Dr Aly initiated the change of ownership in 2012 when Blohm+Voss’ civil business was acquired by funds advised by Star Capital Partners and the members of the management team. Under the new ownership and as part of the strategic development of the company, the product portfolio was expanded and the sales and services business further strengthened.
Ernst von Freyberg, Head of the Supervisory Board of Blohm+Voss, said: “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."