Balk Shipyard announces new CEO

Left to right: CFO Ronald Frijling, Daan Balk and Evan Kortmann, Balk’s new CEO

Having managed operations at Balk Shipyard since 1998, Daan Balk – the seventh generation of Balk to direct and manage the refit and repair shipyard Balk Shipyard – has entered semi-retirement. Evan Kortmann, Chief Commercial Officer, has been appointed as Balk’s replacement with immediate effect.

Evan Kortmann joined Balk Shipyard over a year ago as Chief Commercial Officer and has been instrumental in securing ground rights for the yard’s expansion and the completion of projects such as the rebuild of the 50.4m Feadship Emerald.

“Evan Kortmann is a very suitable candidate and we are very happy to have found him to fill the role of CEO,” says Daan Balk of Balk Shipyard. “Evan will bring a new energy and fill his position with great enthusiasm and drive.”

“Balk Shipyard is a true heritage shipyard in the Dutch yachting industry and it’s an honour to have the opportunity to take over the helm from Daan Balk,” says Evan Kortmann. “Daan has driven Balk Shipyard from a small family enterprise into a leading specialist in superyacht refits and rebuilds. I am looking forward to continue the Balk 225-year legacy.”

Prior to assuming the role of CCO, Kortmann was director of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, before founding the local transport company We Ship Yachts in 2018. Daan Balk will remain a non-executive director and advisor of the shipyard. The new board of directors will comprise CEO Evan Kortmann and CFO Ronald Frijling.

Balk Shipyard has an average annual turnover of 15 million euros and a staff of 50 people working on the refit and rebuild of superyachts. The number of workers triples during the season, with temporary staff and contractors joining the team.

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