Port Antwerp-Bruges: Rob Smeets appointed CEO for a six-year term

Rob Smeets is appointed CEO of Port Antwerp-Bruges by the board of directors, for a six-year term, announced the port Authority on 05/06/2026. He succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced on 14/04/2026 that he would be stepping down as CEO. Rob Smeets had taken over the interim since then.

"The appointment follows a selection process carried out over recent weeks, during which a wide range of candidates were assessed by a selection committee made up of members of the Board of Directors. Rob Smeets emerged as the strongest candidate", specified the port authority.

Since 2019, Rob Smeets was the COO of the Port Antwerp-Bruges. Prior to that, he led the Towage Department and has been nautical operations Director.

"Port of Antwerp-Bruges is strongly positioned internationally and has outstanding employees, customers and partners. Together, we want to continue building a port that keeps increasing its impact, is ready for tomorrow’s challenges, and further strengthens its position as a leading global port", the new CEO said.