UPDATE, APRIL 8, 2026: Tom de Vries, who has handled daily management of the family shipyard alongside his cousin Henk de Vries for four decades, has now retired as well. He, like Henk, has become a brand ambassador. An official passing of the torch celebration took place at the Aalsmeer facility in The Netherlands, with 500 invited guests last month (below).
Read on for our original article.
From his earliest memories to modern times, Henk de Vries has been around yachts. While he’s remaining around them in for the near future, the CEO of Royal De Vries and a director of Feadship is stepping down after four decades in the family business.
Henk de Vries officially joined the shipyard in 1987, when his father was managing director. Simultaneously, his cousin, Tom de Vries (bottom), came into the family business. Similarly, they both became directors and shareholders in 1996.
In this video, Henk III, as he’s nicknamed, explains how he earned that name, plus shares lots of memories. For instance, he lends insight into working with the Moran family for the famous fleet of Gallant Lady yachts. He also shares how he acquired a 1933-built Feadship and restored it—a boat he continues enjoying to this day. Furthermore, in discussing the yacht Venus, he calls her “one of the most amazing boats that we’ve ever done.” All the while, his affable personality shines through. Anyone who has ever met Henk de Vries knows he’s quick with a smile and genuinely enjoys a good conversation.
Under Henk de Vries’ time, the family business grew to seven operating companies and upwards of 1,200 employees. Among the companies is the shipyard in Makkum, The Netherlands, acquired in 2005. It continues to own half of Feadship, too. Plus, he became a founding member of the Water Revolution Foundation, the ocean-preservation non-profit.
Stepping into his shoes as CEO is Roderick de Vries, who further is becoming operational director. Rob de Vries, who with Roderick joined the family business in 2010, is serving as the chief projects officer. Meanwhile, Bas Nederpelt, previously the yard’s sales director, is becoming the chief commercial officer and a Feadship director. Altogether with other executive board members, Henk de Vries notes, they possess “over 80 years of De Vries experience.” He asserts, “Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”
Although he’s retiring, Henk de Vries is remaining as a Feadship Ambassador. He’ll therefore continue promoting the capabilities of the craftspeople. Furthermore, he’s staying active as a non-executive board member and shareholder of the De Vries yard.
Feadship feadship.nl
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