After nearly four decades of leadership within the superyacht world, Henk de Vries III will retire as Director of Feadship and CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw on 1 May 2025. Henk will continue to serve as an Ambassador for Feadship, ensuring the brand’s legacy endures as the next generation drives innovation and excellence in yachting.

Henk de Vries joined the family company in 1987 and became director/shareholder in 1996, together with cousin Tom de Vries (who will retire in Spring 2026), playing a pivotal role in expanding De Vries to its current structure of seven operating companies and over 1,200 employees. De Vries still is a completely family-owned company and owns 50% of Feadship. 

An advocate for sustainable innovation, Henk co-founded the Water Revolution Foundation in 2018, where he continues to serve as chairman of the Board. The Foundation leads the yachting sector’s efforts to reduce its ecological footprint through science-based initiatives and preserve the world’s precious oceans.

Roderick de Vries takes the helm as CEO and Operational Director, joined by Bas Nederpelt as Chief Commercial Officer and Feadship Director, alongside a seasoned Executive Board whose combined experience spans over a century at the heart of this family powerhouse.

Henk de Vries commented: “The four members of our new executive board bring with them over eighty years of De Vries experience. Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”

In addition to his role as Feadship Ambassador, he will remain closely involved as a non-executive board member at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw and shareholder.