Jacques Vandermeiren steps down as CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Jacques Vandermeiren is stepping down as chief executive of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges after nearly ten years in the role, the port authority announced on Tuesday. He had been due to remain in post until the end of 2028. COO Rob Smeets will take over on an interim basis.
The announcement came unexpectedly and marks a significant leadership change at one of Europe's largest port authorities. Vandermeiren has served as CEO since 2017 and oversaw the merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, as well as major operational and strategic shifts during his tenure.
Vandermeiren said the timing of his departure was linked to upcoming major projects, including the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) initiative, which is set to involve complex negotiations in Singapore next week. He did not wish to launch large-scale infrastructure projects if he could not see them through to completion.
"End of an era"
Antwerp port alderman Johan Klaps described Vandermeiren's departure as "the end of an era", highlighting his role in steering the merger of Antwerp and Zeebrugge and guiding the organisation through the Covid-19 crisis and periods of geopolitical instability. "He transformed the port into a modern business," Klaps said.
Vandermeiren will be succeeded on an interim basis by COO Rob Smeets, making him the second Dutch national to be appointed to lead a Flemish port, after Cas König was named CEO of the North Sea Port last year.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS
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