Balk Shipyard Appoints New CEO

Daan Balk has managed operations of the Dutch shipyard since 1998, in a successful era that has seen major growth, a facility change to its current location in Urk, and a merger with Zhongying Int’l Holding Group Ltd. Balk leaves the company with strong business and prosperous financial health, with the merger also supporting potential for further expansion in the future.

As Daan Balk steps down from his position as CEO, the company may not have another Balk in his place, but they are promoting from within as Evan Kortmann moves into the role from CCO.

“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. “Evan will bring a new energy and fill his position with great enthusiasm and drive.”

Evan Kortmann joined Balk Shipyard over a year ago as Chief Commercial Officer and has quickly become an instrumental figure in the shipyard’s success. Kortmann has been involved in the securing of ground rights for the shipyard’s long-awaited expansion, as well as the completion of high-profile projects such as the rebuild of 50.40-metre Feadship yacht, Emerald.

“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,” reflects Evan Kortmann, new CEO of Balk Shipyard. “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-years legacy.”

Kortmann made sure to recognise the importance of the many people behind the scenes whose talents and efforts have made the company what it is. “The secret to Balk Shipyard’s success lies in its team,” continues Kortmann. “The passion and involvement from everyone here at Balk has been instrumental in the completion of projects such as Emerald. The dedication, ability to adapt, and craftsmanship of our up to third generation employees at Balk Shipyard are indescribable.”

Prior to joining Balk Shipyard as CCO, Kortmann was director of Sevenstar Yacht Transport before founding local transport company We Ship Yachts in 2018. Kortmann has an acute acumen for the industry and has been selected to continue the Balk Shipyard legacy.

Daan Balk will remain at the company in a non-executive director and advisor capacity. The new board of directors will comprise of CEO, Evan Kortmann and CFO Ronald Frijling. As Daan Balk takes a step back, he has left Balk Shipyard in a tremendous position with an average annual turnover of €15 million and a staff of 50 people working on the refit and rebuild of superyachts. This number of workers triples during the season, with many temporary staff and contractors joining the team.

“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to act as CEO of Balk Shipayrd for many years,” says Daan Balk. “I’d like to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to all the clients who have given us the assignments and trust to work on their projects.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to the team who are incredible loyal and supportive, of which we at Balk Shipyard are immensely proud.

“Balk Shipyard needs fresh energy to remain a dynamic company and that includes a new, fresh perspective and I believe Evan Kortmann will bring the momentum we need.”