André Walter became CEO of Meyer Werft on July 1, 2026, according to a press release shared by the German shipyard.
As announced in late 2025, Walter replaces Bernd Eikens, who left the company and retired on June 30, 2026.
Meyer Werft said that the new CEO will lead the company together with Chief Restructuring Officer Ralf Schmitz and Chief Operating Officer Jörg Heidelberg.
Coming from the aviation industry, Walter joins the shipyard after serving as Chairman of the Management Board of Airbus Aerostructures and Airbus in Hamburg.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the teams in Papenburg and at our subsidiary Neptun Werft in Rostock,” Walter said.
“I can build on the achievements that have already been made since the start of the restructuring in 2024: whether in the order pipeline, internal processes, or the further development of the company culture,” he added.
Bernd Eikens had been serving as CEO of Meyer Werft since December 2023, guiding the company through one of its most severe financial crises.
The shipyard highlighted the financial stabilization achieved during that time, as well as the successful progress along its restructuring path, which is expected to continue until the end of 2028.
During his tenure as CEO, Eikens led Meyer through successful ship deliveries, including the Asuka III and the Disney Treasure, as well as riverboats for Viking through its subsidiary Neptun Werft.
In addition to these shipbuilding projects, the former executive also implemented what the company called “important internal initiatives aimed at improving operational processes and cost efficiency.”
“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, for the region and for Germany as an industrial location, successfully turns the corner. I am grateful that we have achieved this,” Eikens said.
Left to right: Andre Walter CEO Meyer Werft 2026 with Bernd Atkins
