THE SUPERYACHT BUILDERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), whose members comprise 25 of the world’s leading superyacht shipyards and represent the superyacht sector at the highest levels of international governance, announces important changes to its leadership structure.
New board composition Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent, is the new president of SYBAss. Following the board elections at the Annual General Meeting in Monaco in September 2025, and the subsequent division of roles during the recent SYBAss board meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Verkuyl succeeds Michael Breman, who will remain on the board as past president.
The new vice-chair is Bas Peute of Vitters, who was recently elected to the board to represent sailing yacht builders. Michelle Jones of Delta Marine has been re-elected and will continue to serve as the association’s treasurer. Giovanna Vitelli of Azimut|Benetti and Massimo Perotti of Sanlorenzo have also been re-elected to represent the members’ interests for the next three years. Theo Hooning was re-elected and will continue as a
non-executive board member next year, having announced that he will step down as secretary general by the end of 2025.
During the General Assembly, members expressed their gratitude to Michael Breman and Theo Hooning with a standing ovation, thanking them for their dedication to the association and the industry over the last 18 years. Michael Breman stated, “It has been a privilege to represent SYBAss members since the association’s inception, and now it is time for fresh leadership.”
New executive director Robert van Tol will be the new executive director of SYBAss effective 1st of January. Following his past 7 years successfully establishing and scaling up the Water Revolution Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving environmental progress within the yachting sector, he brings fresh energy and a modern perspective to SYBAss.
Building on SYBAss’s position in the current maritime world, Van Tol’s appointment reflects a strategic shift towards a future-focused and proactive approach. Embedding a stronger focus on pragmatic steps forward in respect of sustainability, also in response to a recent member survey.
Robert van Tol stated, “It is an absolute privilege to take on this exciting role. New builds are a key driver of innovation, maximising both opportunities and responsibilities that come with each new project to continuously move the needle, both for product and process. I look forward to working with such a prominent group of builders to ensure a resilient future.”
Theo Hooning, reflecting on his successor, said, “Robert already has a deep-rooted understanding of the SYBAss mission and operations from his past involvement. He is well placed to carry the organisation forward and through the new challenges that face the industry and builders in particular.” As Hooning looks back on his own tenure, he remarked, “I am proud of what SYBAss has accomplished in the past 18 years. I look forward to seeing this powerful organisation continue to thrive.”
Closing statement from the new president Jan Bart Verkuyl shared: “I am honoured to take on the presidency of SYBAss and look forward to working with the board and our members to continue to advance the superyacht industry and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and ensuring SYBAss remains a leading voice in the maritime world. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Michael Breman and Theo Hooning for their exceptional leadership and tireless efforts in professionalising our industry through SYBAss. I am particularly eager to collaborate with Robert van Tol, our new executive director, as we embark on this next chapter.”
