Heesen announces strategic leadership succession in the United States

Heesen is pleased to announce a significant evolution in its North American operations. After more than two decades of dedicated service, Thom Conboy will be departing his position as Heesen’s US representative. The shipyard is delighted to welcome Lars Christiaanse to the team as Sales Director, Heesen USA.

During his tenure, Thom Conboy played a defining role in shaping Heesen’s reputation in the Americas, establishing the shipyard as a household name among the American yachting elite. The shipyard extends its appreciation to Thom for his long-standing commitment and the professional legacy he leaves behind.

The North American market remains a central pillar of Heesen’s global strategy. As this transition takes place, Lars Christiaanse brings a fresh, structured and internationally informed approach to the region. With over twenty years of experience in high-end hospitality and ultra-prime real estate, he has built a strong track record of managing complex relationships with UHNW individuals.

Prior to joining Heesen, Lars held senior roles in the London luxury property market, overseeing sales and marketing for some of the world’s most prestigious residential developments. His career began in luxury hospitality and later expanded into international development in Brazil and strategic advisory across Europe and the United States. This background in delivering ‘unforgettable experiences’ and overseeing high-value assets aligns naturally with the demands of the superyacht industry.

Lars Christiaanse commented: “Joining Heesen is, in many ways, a dream come true. Born just a few miles from the shipyard in North Brabant, I have a profound sense of pride in representing a brand that embodies the very best of Dutch heritage and world-class engineering. After living abroad for over twenty-five years – including significant time spent in my second home in Miami – returning to my roots to lead Heesen’s American operations feels like the perfect closing of a circle. I look forward to leveraging my experience in ultra-prime real estate and hospitality within the yachting world, further strengthening Heesen’s presence in a market I know and love.”

Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen, commented: "We sincerely thank Thom for his contribution to our American growth, as we welcome Lars to lead this next chapter for Heesen in the US. Lars’s expertise and deep understanding of the dynamics required at the highest level of the luxury market will be invaluable in driving our strategic growth and reinforcing Heesen’s position in this key region. He is a dedicated professional who understands that in our industry, success is built on meticulous attention to detail and steadfast commitment to excellence. We are confident he will strengthen our bonds with American clients and ensure Florida remains a vibrant hub for the Heesen family."