On 1 April, Arnold de Bruijn (1980) will join the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) as the eventual successor to Secretary-General, René Kolman. Kolman has represented the international dredging sector since 2008 and will retire on 1 November.
Following the transition period, De Bruijn will formally take over the role of Secretary-General from Kolman’s retirement.
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Background in dredging industry
De Bruijn has valuable background in the dredging industry. He began his career at Royal IHC, where he worked for nearly twelve years in various roles, including Manager of Development for Cutter Suction Dredgers and Manager of Engineering.
De Bruijn also has experience in the trade association sector. For the last 8.5 years, he worked at Netherlands Maritime Technology (now known as NMT-IRO), holding various positions – with the last two years as Team Lead Sector Management and a member of the Management Team. As representative of NMT-IRO, De Bruijn was also a member of the SWZ|Maritime editorial team.
Frank Verhoeven, President of IADC: ‘The IADC Board sees Arnold de Bruijn as the ideal successor due to his industry knowledge, vision, and leadership. With his experience and fresh perspective, he will not only build on the current trajectory, but also seize new opportunities to raise the profile of the sector internationally.’
Sustainable solutions
‘I have had a wonderful time serving as Secretary-General at IADC, in a sector that is continuously evolving,’ says Kolman. ‘I have had the pleasure of collaborating with many experts from our member companies to advocate the value our industry brings. It is a sector that is a frontrunner in developing and implementing sustainable marine solutions. Despite the challenges we face in achieving long-term sustainable solutions, I am convinced this is the way forward. I wish Arnold every success in his new role.’
De Bruijn states: ‘This role perfectly combines my background as a shipbuilder in the dredging industry and my experience as an advocate and manager in a trade association. I am honoured to represent IADC and its members and see a great opportunity to contribute to an industry that makes the world a safer, better and more sustainable place. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience in my new role and working with a professional and enthusiastic team to make a positive contribution to the global dredging industry; I can’t wait to get started.’
About IADC
The IADC is the global umbrella organisation for contractors in the private dredging industry. IADC has over a hundred main and associated members. Together, they represent the forefront of the dredging industry. An industry that makes the world a safer, better and more sustainable place to live. And IADC is driven to help that industry move forward with a variety of activities and publications.
Picture: Arnold de Bruijn will succeed René Kolman as Secretary-General of IADC (photo by IADC).
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