Lodewijk Franken earned a Marine Technology MSc degree at Delft University after which he joined Damen Shipyards where he held various positions, including in sales and project management. Lodewijk subsequently worked in various capacities for several maritime and offshore companies. In 2017, Lodewijk was invited to return to Damen to lead the Damen Shiprepair branch in Curaçao as managing director. After five years in the Caribbean, he and his family decided it was time to return to The Netherlands. Much like many other Royal Huisman team members, Lodewijk has a passion for sailing. He was part of several regatta teams, competing in various races.

Jan Timmerman, CEO Royal Huisman comments: “We feel fortunate to be able to welcome Lodewijk Franken to the ranks of Royal Huisman. Lodewijk is an experienced manager with all the right marine industry qualifications and personal pursuits needed to understand our business. He is superbly suited to coordinate Royal Huisman’s expanding activities.”

Lodewijk adds: “I look forward to meeting the full team and to working together with my new colleagues to engineer, build and deliver state-of-the-art luxury sailing and motor yachts, adding a further chapter to the history of Royal Huisman.”