In a strategic move marking a new era, Van der Valk Shipyard has announced a significant leadership change. Evan Kortmann, known for his extensive experience in the superyacht sector, is stepping into the role of CEO. Previously at the helm of Balk Shipyard in the Netherlands, Kortmann brings a wealth of knowledge and a vision to guide the company forward.
Evan Kortmann succeeds Enrico Theuns, who has recognized the challenges and opportunities of the industry during his tenure over the past three years. Theuns was initially brought on board to lead the shipyard when Wim van der Valk, the founder, announced his retirement plans, officially retiring in April 2024. During Theuns’s leadership, he not only maintained continuity amid the transition but also played a crucial role in navigating a new corporate ownership structure. His efforts broadened the shipyard’s reach into the megayacht market, specifically for vessels over 98 feet (30 meters), an area in which the company has begun to excel.
Van der Valk Shipyard has made waves in the luxury yacht industry with several high-profile projects like the yacht Jangada, Lalabe, and the recently launched yacht Shine. Not only is Shine noteworthy for her striking design, but she also holds the title of the longest and most voluminous yacht built by Van der Valk to date, measuring 131 feet (40 meters) in length and weighing an impressive 370 gross tons.
In welcoming Kortmann, the management team at Van der Valk Shipyard remains robust, with Bram Kooltjes serving as technical director and Yoeri Bijker as commercial director. Theuns, while transitioning out of the CEO role, will stay on in an advisory capacity for several months to ensure a seamless transition. Reflecting on his tenure, Theuns remarked, “Leading Van der Valk Shipyard over the past three years has been a rewarding experience.” His confidence in Kortmann and the team underscores the shipyard’s strong positioning for future growth.
Having been in the yacht-building business for 58 years, Van der Valk Shipyard traces its roots back to Waalwijk, where it first crafted aluminum cabin cruisers and aft-cabin cruisers, successfully navigating the market landscape of the 1970s. The mid-1980s marked a significant evolution for the company, launching its first steel-hulled series, the Vitesse, which allowed the shipyard to take on larger, semi-displacement projects. This historical foundation provides a unique backdrop for Kortmann as he embarks on leading the shipyard into its next chapter.
For more information about their impressive portfolio and future projects, visit the official website of Van der Valk Shipyard at vandervalkshipyard.com.