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Fred van Beers to be next Blohm + Voss CEO

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Fred van Beers

JANUARY 14, 2015 — Fred van Beers (52) is to become Chief Executive Officer Management Board (CEO) at German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss on March 1, 2015, succeeding Dr. Herbert Aly.

His focus will be on developing the luxury yacht business and hee will also work to strengthen shipyard’s position in the ship repairs and conversion makets with a specific focus on cruise ships and offshore industry vessels

Mr. van Beers has held senior leadership positions in the maritime industry for more than 15 years and joins Blohm+Voss from his current position as Vice President Services Northern Europe at Wärtsilä.

He is a qualified ship’s engineer, went to sea for four years, and has led all stages of design, engineering, production and aftermarket services. He has a proven track record in delivering profitable sales growth.

Throughout his career at Wärtsilä and his positions in various maritime industry organizations in the Netherlands and Europe, Mr. van Beers has built up an extensive international network within the community of yacht and shipowners, yacht designers, shipyards and the maritime supply industry. For the past 20 years delivery of systems and services for yachts has been part of his responsibilities.

“I admire Blohm+Voss for having delivered some of the most iconic yachts over the last 80 years – ranging from the Savarona, delivered in 1931, to the Graceful,‹ in 2014,” says Mr. van Beers. “I am committed to highest quality engineering and project management. I share Blohm+Voss’ strategic vision and look forward to further developing the business with my new colleagues.”

“We welcome Fred van Beers. He is an exceptionally skilled leader with a long track record in the maritime industry,” saysErnst von Freyberg, Head of the Supervisory Board of Blohm+Voss.  “As owners, we are committed to a long-term viable growth plan for Blohm+Voss. On behalf of the owners, the supervisory board and the entire team, I would like to thank Dr. Herbert Aly for leading Blohm+Voss over the last years.”

Dr. Aly joined Blohm+Voss as a Managing Director in 2004 and became Spokesman of the Management Board in 2008. He successfully focused the business on the three areas: cruise ships, offshore units and yachts. In 2012, Dr. Aly initiated the change of ownership that saw Blohm+Voss’ civil business acquired by funds advised by Star Capital Partners and by the members of the management team. Under the new ownership and as part of the strategic development of the company, the product portfolio was expanded and the sales and services business strengthened.

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