Zeelander Yachts appoints new CEO

Dutch shipyard Zeelander Yachts has appointed Grant Hooper as its new CEO.

Hooper takes up his new role having spent 18 years with Princess Yachts as a member of the board of directors, before joining Fairline Yachts as commercial and supply chain director in 2019.

“I’ve long admired Zeelander as a top-end boatbuilder and watched as the brand has grown its name and portfolio of products,” says Hooper.

“I’m excited to now be a part of that ongoing expansion and I’m working with the development team to continue creating unique products that exceed customer expectations, while also building strong relationships with key suppliers and partners.”

Sietse Koopmans, owner and founder of Zeelander Yachts, says that the company has a high number of boats on order worldwide and that Hooper will work to ensure their delivery times are met.

“I’m confident that Grant’s wealth of experience and industry expertise will ensure the group’s long-term growth plans are realised,” says Koopmans. “He is extremely focused on building strong supplier relationships and improving organisational structure, while maintaining the boutique approach that Zeelander customers value so highly.”

Zeelander Yachts was founded in the Netherlands in 2002, and moved into its current factory in Groot-Ammers in January 2017. It launched its flagship model, the Z72, in 2019.