New Supervisory Board of MEYER WERFT: Setting the Course for the Future

Bild: Nordzeitung.de
With the establishment of a new co-determined supervisory board, MEYER WERFT GmbH has adjusted its corporate governance structure. This measure is part of a comprehensive stabilization and restructuring plan agreed upon by the new shareholders—comprising the federal government, the state of Lower Saxony, the Meyer family, and the financing banks. This step marks the completion of all formal requirements for federal and state participation in the company.

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After the European Commission granted antitrust approval in early December 2024, the federal and state governments finalized their participation as shareholders on December 19, 2024. Both parties acquired approximately 40% of the company's shares and each invested 200 million euros. A key element of this plan is the establishment of a co-determined supervisory board, consisting of representatives of the shareholders, employees, and external experts. Jan Meyer will represent the family on the board.

Composition of the New Supervisory Board

The employee side is represented by the following members:

  • Thomas Gelder (Managing Director, IG Metall Leer-Papenburg)
  • Andreas Hensen (Chairman of the Works Council, MEYER WERFT)
  • Heiko Messerschmidt (Regional Secretary, IG Metall Coastal District)
  • Thomas Behrens (Chairman of the Works Council, NEPTUN WERFT)
  • Denise Sassen (Chairwoman of the Works Council, ND Coatings)
  • Yvonne Lammers (Senior Employee, MEYER WERFT)

The federal government is represented by:

  • Patricia Geibel-Conrad (Auditor)
  • Christian von Lenthe (Lawyer)

The state of Lower Saxony is represented by:

  • Minister of Economic Affairs Olaf Lies
  • Anne Deter (Economic Lawyer, Green Finance Ministry)

Additionally, former Diehl, BMW, and Airbus manager Klaus Richter has been appointed as another supervisory board member and elected as chairman of the 12-member body. The deputy chairman is Heiko Messerschmidt.

Responsibilities of the New Supervisory Board

The inaugural meeting of the new supervisory board took place on Friday, January 31, 2025. The main responsibilities of the board include appointing, advising, and overseeing the management, as well as participating in corporate decision-making. Furthermore, the supervisory board is responsible for reviewing the annual financial statements, management report, and profit distribution proposal. The management team is required to regularly inform the board about corporate strategy and developments.

Statements on the New Structure

Klaus Richter, upon his appointment, stated: "I am looking forward to the responsible task of chairing the supervisory board at MEYER WERFT. Together, we will work to stabilize and successfully restructure the company. The current market conditions and strong demand provide a solid foundation for this."

Bernd Eikens also emphasized the importance of the new board: "The integration of different interests and expertise within the supervisory board will help us tackle upcoming challenges and further expand our position as one of the world's leading shipyards."

Minister of Economic Affairs Olaf Lies highlighted the significance of this step: "Alongside relocating the company's headquarters back to Papenburg, establishing a co-determined supervisory board represents a crucial milestone in the successful restructuring of the shipyard. With clear structures and transparent corporate governance, we are consistently continuing the restructuring process. The supervisory board plays a key role in guiding the shipyard toward a stable and successful future."

Heiko Messerschmidt underlined the importance of employee representation: "The participation of employee representatives in the supervisory board strengthens MEYER WERFT as a whole. We advocate for the interests of employees across all locations and bring this vital perspective into the board."

Jan Meyer, representing the family on the supervisory board, stated: "The first meeting of the new supervisory board marks the beginning of a crucial phase for us as the Meyer family. Our goal is to secure the shipyard's future together with all stakeholders. We look forward to constructive collaboration."

Future Prospects

The new corporate structure marks a significant step toward ensuring the long-term stability of MEYER WERFT. The company extends its gratitude to all involved parties for their trust and support. Together with the new shareholders and the newly constituted supervisory board, the shipyard will actively address future challenges and further strengthen its position as a leading shipyard in the global maritime industry.