The Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges has appointed Rob Smeets as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority for a six-year term. He succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced in April 2026 that he would step down from the role.
The appointment follows a comprehensive selection process conducted over recent weeks, during which a broad pool of candidates was evaluated by a selection committee comprising members of the Board of Directors. Smeets emerged as the preferred candidate following the assessment process.
A long-serving member of the Port Authority, Smeets brings more than two decades of experience within the organisation. Throughout his career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including head of the towage department from 2014, Nautical operations director from 2017, and chief operations officer (COO) and member of the executive committee since 2019. Following Vandermeiren’s announcement, Smeets assumed the role of interim CEO.
According to the Board, Smeets’ extensive operational expertise, deep understanding of the port ecosystem, and strong relationships with stakeholders position him well to lead Port of Antwerp-Bruges through a period of significant investment, geopolitical uncertainty, and ongoing challenges facing European industry.
Commenting on the appointment, Smeets said he was honoured by the Board’s confidence and highlighted the port’s strong international position, as well as the commitment of its employees, customers, and partners. He expressed his ambition to continue strengthening the port’s global competitiveness while preparing the organisation for future challenges.
Johan Klaps, chair of the Board of Directors, welcomed the appointment, noting that the swift selection process would ensure continuity within the organisation. He emphasised Smeets’ in-depth knowledge of the Port Authority, his strong stakeholder relationships, and his experience managing major investment programmes and organisational change. Klaps described Smeets as the right leader to guide the port through a period where effective execution and delivery are critical.
Dirk De fauw, vice-chair of the Board of Directors, said the recruitment process had been both rigorous and efficient, attracting a strong field of candidates from across the sector. He noted that the high level of interest in the position reflected the national and international appeal of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Based on his leadership capabilities, industry knowledge, and proven track record, Smeets was identified as the strongest candidate to lead the organisation into the future.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Port of Antwerp-Bruges as it continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading ports while navigating an increasingly complex global operating environment.
For more information visit www.portofantwerpbruges.com
