MEYER WERFT has appointed André Walter as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2026, succeeding Bernd Eikens, who retired on 30 June after leading the shipbuilder through its financial restructuring.
Walter joins MEYER WERFT from Airbus, where he served as Chairman of the Management Board of Airbus Aerostructures GmbH and Airbus GmbH. He will lead the company alongside Chief Restructuring Officer Ralf Schmitz and Chief Operating Officer Jörg Heidelberg.
During his tenure, Eikens guided MEYER WERFT through its most severe financial crisis in 2024, stabilizing the business while overseeing the delivery of several vessels, including the cruise ships Asuka III and Disney Destiny. The company’s restructuring programme is expected to continue until the end of 2028.
“The Supervisory Board would like to thank Dr. Bernd Eikens for his outstanding work over the past three years,” said Dr. Christian von Lenthe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of MEYER WERFT. “He took over the company during its most challenging crisis and stabilized it with calmness, clarity and strong leadership.”
Walter said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the teams in Papenburg and at our subsidiary NEPTUN WERFT in Rostock. I can build on the achievements that have already been made since the start of the restructuring in 2024.”
Reflecting on his departure, Eikens commented: “These have been three challenging but ultimately successful years at MEYER WERFT. As a native of Papenburg, it has always been a matter close to my heart to help ensure that this important company successfully turns the corner. I am grateful that we have achieved this.”
