Vandermeiren, 52, was CEO of Elia, the listed company that operates the national electricity grid in Belgium, until the start of last year. He can draw on extensive experience in the energy sector, which is expected t0 stand him in good stead with the industrial operators in the port. His crucial experience with complex stakeholder management and in dealing with a publicly owned shareholder were also factors in the appointment.
“These two aspects, combined with the necessary international experience, strong communication skills and inspiring people management, convinced the board to appoint Vandermeiren as the new CEO,” said Port Authority chairman Marc Van Peel.
Vandermeiren is now beginning his ‘working in’ period.
He said: “It is certainly an honour for me to face the important local and international challenges for the Port Authority, in collaboration with the board of directors, the management committee, the personnel and the many stakeholders. Assuring the rich history of the port of Antwerp in a sustainable way in future is a task which I shall assume with pride and determination.”
Vandermeiren starts on 1 November 2016 as CEO designate, which means he will shadow Eddy Bruyninckx, who retains full authority as CEO, chairman of the management committee and managing director until 31 December 2016. Then on 1 January 2017 Vandermeiren will formally take over the role.