A new year, a new phase, and a new boss for Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts. Entrepreneur, investor, and billionaire Laurens Last is now at the helm, bringing Heesen back under full Dutch ownership. From 2008 to 2022, the shipyard was owned by Russian oligarch Vagit Alekperov, CEO of oil giant Lukoil, who stepped down in 2022.
With fresh leadership, the yard that delivered icons like Galactica Super Nova, Galactica Star, and Sparta, alongside more than 200 other vessels, is poised to usher in a new era of innovation and craftsmanship. Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, expressed his excitement about the transition, “We are happy to have an owner who shares our passion for yacht building. With his experience and dedication, we can build a strong future without losing our Dutch identity.”
Laurens Last brings not only business acumen but also a deep personal connection to the world of yachting. A passionate yachtsman himself, he called the acquisition a dream come true, “This acquisition is more than an investment, it’s a dream,” said Last. “Heesen represents the pinnacle of Dutch engineering and maritime craftsmanship. I am honored to take on its ownership and ensure the brand continues to flourish for generations to come.”
Founded in 1978 by Frans Heesen, the Dutch shipyard quickly carved a niche for itself with lightweight, high-performance builds. The launch of its first yacht, Amigo, in 1979 marked the beginning of Heesen’s legacy as a pioneer of speed on the seas. Renowned for their sharp lines and shark-like hulls, Heesen yachts are often dubbed the “Aston Martins of the sea”, sleek, powerful, and unmistakably refined. Backed by razor-sharp business acumen and a relentless drive for innovation, the future of Heesen looks nothing short of exhilarating.
About Heesen’s New Boss, Laurens Last
Not quite a rags-to-riches story, but young Laurens Last began by trading shampoo and hair dye before pivoting into cosmetic packaging, a shift that would define his future. His boldest move came when he sold his cosmetics company to focus solely on packaging, a decision that brought him staggering success. In 2022, he went even further, selling his packaging firm Scholle IPN for a remarkable $1.5 billion. Once the owner of a modest second-hand 128-foot yacht, named Lady India as a nod to his love for the country, Last acquired Heesen Yachts, turning a lifelong dream into a dazzling reality. Today, the Tilburg-born investor, now 57 with a net worth of $1.31 billion, manages his fortune through the TSAL Family Office, strategically investing across industries. Known for his fearless business acumen, Last holds a 10% stake in Switzerland’s SIG Group AG, making him its largest shareholder. He was also a pioneer in introducing fully recyclable packaging for long-shelf-life food products, an innovation ahead of its time. From a modest industrial estate in Houten to a global empire with factories spanning Australia, Brazil, the U.S., and China, Laurens Last has cemented his place as a true global player.
