• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The Board of Directors appointed Rob Smeets as CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Authority for a six-year term. The executive succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced on April 14, 2026, that he would be stepping down.
The appointment follows a selection process carried out in recent weeks, during which a selection committee composed of Board members evaluated a wide range of candidates. Smeets stood out as the most suitable candidate.
Rob Smeets is well acquainted with Port of Antwerp-Bruges, having worked for the Port Authority for over 20 years and held various positions of responsibility. Since 2014, he has led the Towage Department; in 2017, he became Director of Nautical Operations; and since 2019, he has been a member of the Executive Committee as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Following the announcement of Vandermeiren's departure, he assumed the role of interim CEO.
With extensive experience within the organization, a deep understanding of the port and its operations, and a solid familiarity with a wide range of stakeholders, Smeets has a strong foundation to lead the Port. The Board of Directors is confident that he will be able to guide the Port Authority during a period marked by significant investments, a changing geopolitical context, and the challenges facing the European industry.
Rob Smeets stated, "I thank the Board of Directors for their trust. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges enjoys a strong international position and has exceptional employees, customers, and partners. Together, we want to continue building a port that increases its impact, is prepared for future challenges, and further consolidates its position as a leading global port. I am excited about this project."
Johan Klaps, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, added, "We are extremely pleased to have been able to appoint a new CEO in such a short time, thus ensuring the continuity of our organization. Rob knows the Port Authority and the port like no one else. He is a familiar figure both inside and outside the organization, knows our stakeholders well, and is able to reconcile different interests."
"Furthermore, Smeets has extensive experience in managing large budgets, investment programs, and change processes. At a time when efficiency and execution are paramount, we are convinced that Rob, with his pragmatic leadership style, is the ideal person to lead the Port of Antwerp-Bruges," Klaps added.
Dirk De fauw, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, "We carried out a quick but thorough selection process, with a selection committee, in-depth interviews, and a highly qualified pool of candidates. The great interest in this position confirms the national and international appeal of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges."
"Thanks to his experience, his knowledge of the port, and his leadership skills, Rob stood out as the ideal candidate. I have full confidence that he, along with the Board of Directors, the management team, the organization, and our clients, will further strengthen our port and prepare it for a future full of challenges," De fauw concluded.
