Heesen Yachts appoints director technical services & after sales in lifecycle push

Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts has appointed Eric Boers to the newly created role of director technical services & after sales.

In this new position, Boers will oversee both the project management teams and the after sales organisation. The strategic move is designed to bridge the gap between a yacht’s initial construction and its operational life, offering clients a seamless transition from build to delivery and beyond.

Boers joins the Netherlands-based shipbuilder with more than 20 years of international experience across high-tech engineering and industrial services. His background includes 12 years in senior leadership roles at wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, where he served as service director and managing director, followed by five years leading after sales at smart energy firm Alfen.

He has developed a strong track record in steering international service operations and managing complex, high-value assets. Heesen says his combination of strategic vision and customer-focused leadership aligns with the yard’s ambition to further integrate project execution with global, long-term lifecycle support.

Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Eric to the team. His appointment marks a strategic evolution in how we manage our projects. By bringing project management and after sales under one director, we are bridging the gap between construction and delivery.

“Eric will oversee the process from the moment a hull takes shape until the yacht is sailing with her owner. Crucially, this creates a two-way flow of intelligence: the technical data gathered during construction remains embedded throughout the vessel’s entire lifecycle, while real-world feedback from the fleet feeds directly into our new-build process. This ensures unparalleled continuity and continuous refinement of our Northern European quality.”

Reflecting on his new role, Boers adds: “Technology and engineering are only as valuable as the support behind them. Whether dealing with a wind turbine or a superyacht, an owner’s expectations remain the same: reliability, responsive service and clear communication. My objective is to build on Heesen’s strong foundations and create a proactive department that works closely with our clients and the global captain network to provide confidence, from the first day of construction through years of cruising.”

Immediate priorties include streamlining the handover process between the shipyard and the active fleet. The goal is to ensure every Heesen vessel benefits from a holistic support strategy once it leaves the shed.

As part of this push, Boers will also revive the shipyard’s dedicated Captains’ Events. These gatherings are designed to foster ongoing, expert-led dialogue with the professionals operating Heesen yachts worldwide, keeping the yard closely connected to real-world operational feedback.

According to Heesen, this structural alignment will enable clients to have shorter communication lines, faster response times, and a single, continuous point of accountability from the inception of the build through decades of ownership.