Rob Smeets named CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Smeets, who has served as the
port’s Chief Operations Officer since April 2022, was acting as CEO
ad interim following Vandermeiren’s departure in April 2026 and was
responsible for ensuring continuity of policy and day-to-day operations during the
search for a permanent CEO. In his new permanent role, he will also continue
as Chairman of the Management Committee, which oversees the port’s daily
management. A graduate of Delft
University of Technology, Smeets brings extensive operational experience from
within the port and has been closely involved in its strategic development,
including the integration of activities following the merger of the former Port
of Antwerp and Port of Bruges.
The
appointment marks a new leadership phase for one of Europe’s largest and most
strategically important ports, which serves as a major gateway for global
trade, chemicals, containers and bulk cargo.
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