Rotterdam, Netherlands – December 18th, 2024 – HES International B.V. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Paul van Gelder as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective 13 January 2025. Mr van Gelder succeeds Mr van Lieshout, who has served as acting CEO since 1 September 2024. Mr van Lieshout, who was previously the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will now return to his role as CFO. The Supervisory Board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr van Lieshout for his leadership and contributions during this interim period.
Mr van Gelder brings a wealth of experience to HES International, having successfully led large organizations in previous C-level roles. His extensive background includes leadership positions at prominent companies such as Gasunie, Eriks and Royal Imtech. Most recently, Mr van Gelder served as CEO of Mammoet, the global leader in heavy lifting and transport services. During his tenure at Mammoet, Paul designed and executed a comprehensive business development and growth strategy, driving success across operations in more than 40 countries and leading a workforce of 6,500 employees.
Søren Skou, independent chairman of the Supervisory Board of HES International, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Paul van Gelder as our new Group CEO. Paul’s extensive experience will be instrumental in helping us drive the next growth chapter at HES. As we continue to diversify and build a future-proof portfolio, his vision and leadership will help us capitalize on the many opportunities ahead.”
Paul van Gelder commented: “I am honored to be asked to join HES International as CEO. This is a company with significant growth potential, a highly skilled team, and a strong market presence. With key locations across the main northern European ports, HES is exceptionally well-positioned to lead in terminal operations during the ongoing energy transition in the logistics industry. I am excited to drive the execution of HES’ strategic plan and to create sustainable value for all its stakeholders”.
The appointment of Paul van Gelder received positive advice from the Groups Central Works Council.
For further information, please contact: Firas Ezzeddine (f.ezzeddine@hesinternational.eu)
ABOUT HES INTERNATIONAL
HES International is one of Europe's largest independent bulk handling companies for liquid, dry, and breakbulk products. Our companies hold a unique independent position in the supply chain of bulk goods for a wide range of products providing first class access to Europe's deep draft terminals and excellent hinterland connectivity by barge, rail and truck. With 13 terminals in 4 countries at strategic located ports in Europe we are an important switch in the continuous delivery of essential building blocks for our everyday life needed to develop, sustain and improve the world around us. Our professional staff ensure that bulk commodities are safely stored, handled and processed 24/7 for customers from all corners of the globe. We have a strong ambition to further broaden our product portfolio and also want to respond optimally to the opportunities that the energy transition offers us.
HES International is headquartered in Rotterdam and has already been carefully handling bulk raw materials since 1908. Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5, and West Street Infrastructure Partners III, managed by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Infrastructure business, each indirectly control 50% of the shares of HES International B.V. For more information, please visit www.hesinternational.eu.