Because of impressive growth and a well-filled order book for both Zeelander Yachts and DutchCraft, the Netherlands-based Shipyard Groot-Ammers announced the appointment of Marianne Hendriks as Director Marketing & Business Development.

In this executive role, she will be responsible for the marketing and commercial strategy, public relations, business development and brand representation. With the current order book and clear future objectives to further expand the business, strong strategic leadership is imperative. Marianne brings over two decades of experience in marketing and business development in yachting. Based on her experience, she will be a valuable contribution to the company’s Executive Committee, guided by CEO Grant Hooper.  

It is the strategy to grow the company and to expand the number of yachts in build year on year. To adapt to the growth the shipyard underwent an impressive logistic change last year and will further expand its premises, starting in April this year. The transformation processes were initiated last year and has been guided by CEO Grant Hooper, who brought many years of operational yacht building experience from his significant time at Princess Yachts. Next to implementing lean production methods, Hooper is responsible for day-to-day management of the business and operations of the shipyard to support the strategic growth plans in place.

The company owner, and sole shareholder, Sietse Koopmans has a strong vision on yacht design and a tireless ambition to grow the company. He appointed both Hooper and Hendriks, to assist him in this. It is of utmost importance for Shipyard Groot-Ammers, Home of Zeelander and DutchCraft, to have a strong, energetic and well skilled team of directors.

“I have faith in my team. Since we are expanding rapidly, we see the need to add an Operations Director soon, to be set for the future. We want to build more iconic yachts, to grow the number of happy owners,” says Sietse Koopmans.