Heesen appoints new US sales director
Lars Christiaanse takes on the role of sales director for Heesen USA. Image courtesy of Ruben Griffioen/Heesen
Heesen is making a change in its North American operations, with Thom Conboy stepping down as the company’s US representative after more than two decades in the role. Lars Christiaanse joins the organisation as sales director for Heesen USA.
It is understood that Conboy has taken up a Florida-based sales role for Turkish boatbuilder Turquoise Yachts.
Christiaanse takes on responsibility for Heesen’s sales in the US. Before joining Heesen, he held senior positions in the London property market, where he worked on sales and marketing for residential developments. His career also includes time in hospitality, international development projects in Brazil and advisory roles across Europe and the US.
Christiaanse says: “Joining Heesen is, in many ways, a dream come true. Born just a few miles from the shipyard in North Brabant, I have a profound sense of pride in representing a brand that embodies the very best of Dutch heritage and world-class engineering. After living abroad for over 25 years – including significant time spent in my second home in Miami – returning to my roots to lead Heesen’s American operations feels like the perfect closing of a circle.
“I look forward to leveraging my experience in ultra-prime real estate and hospitality within the yachting world, further strengthening Heesen’s presence in a market I know and love.”
Jeroen van der Meer, who was recently appointed CEO of Heesen, adds: “We sincerely thank Thom for his contribution to our American growth, as we welcome Lars to lead this next chapter for Heesen in the US. Lars’s expertise and deep understanding of the dynamics required at the highest level of the luxury market will be invaluable in driving our strategic growth and reinforcing Heesen’s position in this key region. He is a dedicated professional who understands that in our industry, success is built on meticulous attention to detail and steadfast commitment to excellence.
“We are confident he will strengthen our bonds with American clients and ensure Florida remains a vibrant hub for the Heesen family.”
The appointment comes after Heesen was acquired by Dutch entrepreneur Laurens Last in April 2025.
The shipyard’s late founder, Frans Heesen, sold the yard to Russian billionaire Vagit Alekperov in 2008 for a reported $150m. Before the sale to Last, the yard had been under the interim ownership of an independent Dutch foundation since 2022, when Alekperov was sanctioned by the EU following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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