CEO Jacques Vandermeiren has decided to resign his mandate at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, he announced today. The search for a successor will start immediately. In the meantime, COO Rob Smeets will temporarily take on the role of CEO.
The decision comes at a time when the port authority is on the eve of a new strategic phase. The emphasis is on cost efficiency and sustainable value creation. According to the Board of Directors, it is appropriate that a new CEO helps shape and implement this course from the start.
Jacques Vandermeiren, who has been at the helm since January 2017, looks back on a period in which the port strengthened its international position and strongly focused on innovation and greening. One of the most important achievements under his leadership was the successful merger between the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
Chairman Johan Klaps expressly thanks Vandermeiren for his contribution and commitment. “He helped build the strong, unified organization that we are today,” he said. “It has been a privilege to transform this company into a modern and high-performance company,” said the outgoing CEO.
With Rob Smeets as interim CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to ensure the continuity of policy and daily operations.
