The supervisory board of Van Oord has put forward Govert van Oord as the intended successor to Pieter van Oord for the position of chief executive. The official appointment is slated to occur at the company's annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled for April 11, 2024.
Chairman of the supervisory board, Niek Hoek, expressed satisfaction at the prospect of passing the leadership torch within the family business from the fourth to the fifth generation of the Van Oord family.
Govert, who has been with Van Oord since 2002, brings extensive experience to the role, having served the company in various capacities, including roles in the Middle East, Spain, and Brazil. Currently holding the position of Managing Director, he oversees the dredging & infra business unit.
Pieter van Oord, having led the company as CEO for over 15 years and being associated with the maritime contractor for three decades, will transition to Van Oord's supervisory board. Additionally, he is set to be nominated by the supervisory board of Schiphol NV as the new chief executive of Schiphol.
Niek Hoek commended Pieter on the proposed appointment, characterizing it as an acknowledgment of Van Oord's societal significance and the challenges associated with the role. Hoek expressed gratitude to Pieter for his enduring commitment and leadership, highlighting the transformative journey of Van Oord from a dredging company to a comprehensive maritime contractor under Pieter's guidance.
The shift in leadership comes at a time when Van Oord has positioned itself prominently in the offshore wind sector, with two distinct business units – dredging & infra and offshore energy. The company plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges related to climate adaptation and energy transition. The supervisory board looks forward to Govert taking on the role, marking a significant transition to a fifth-generation chief executive for the company.
