Damen Shipyards Group has announced the appointment of Arnout Damen as its chief executive officer.

At the same time, the shipbuilding company is switching to a divisional structure to serve the market more effectively and efficiently, said a statement from Damen.

Damen takes over from René Berkvens, who has been the CEO of Damen Shipyards Group for more than 13 years.

“We are extremely indebted to Berkvens for his commitment as our company’s top executive,” said Kommer Damen. “Under his leadership, our company has grown into a globally operating, leading player.”

Damen has been preparing for the move to CEO for many years. Over the past nine years he has been a member of the group’s Executive Board, responsible for operations and commercial affairs. In his new position as CEO, his first priority is the further implementation of the divisional structure.

“Our company is known as an innovative and dynamic company that works very closely with its clients. We would like to maintain this. With the growth of recent years, the switch to a divisional structure has become logical to remain close to the various markets and to further expand our leading position in the fields of quality, digitalisation and sustainability.”