CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges steps down

Jacques Vandermeiren has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, ending a tenure that began in January 2017.

The leadership change reflects the organisation’s entry into a new strategic phase centred on cost efficiency and sustainable value creation, with the Board of Directors concluding that this transition would be best led by a new CEO able to design and implement the incoming strategic plan from the outset.

Pending the appointment of a permanent successor, Chief Operating Officer Rob Smeets has assumed the role of CEO ad interim, with a mandate focused on continuity of policy and day-to-day operations.

Board President Johan Klaps acknowledged Vandermeiren’s significant contributions during his eight years in the role, citing the strengthening of the port’s international standing, advances in innovation and sustainability, and the successful execution of the merger between the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge as defining achievements.

Klaps described the merger as a historic undertaking that shaped the organisation into the unified and capable entity it is today.

Vandermeiren, reflecting on his departure, described the decision as the right moment for a new era both for the organisation and for himself personally.

He expressed pride in the transformation of the port into a modern, dynamic and high-performing company over the course of his tenure and extended his gratitude to the teams that contributed to that journey.

Rob Smeets, assuming the interim role, acknowledged Vandermeiren’s leadership and affirmed his commitment to maintaining stability and continuity for both employees and customers during the transition period.

The post CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges steps down appeared first on Container News.