PRESS RELEASE | Rotterdam, October 2024
Mr. Marine, a fast-growing global leader in the maritime Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector, is exceptionally pleased to announce a significant transition in its executive leadership. We confirm the appointment of Charles Laarhuis as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the appointment being effective as of 15 October 2024. Mr. Laarhuis steps into this pivotal role to succeed Karel Peters and will be responsible for leading the continued global operations and strategic expansion of the dynamic Mr. Marine organization.
This leadership change comes at a time when the maritime industry faces accelerating regulatory complexity and technological advancements, placing a premium on specialized and reliable TIC services. Mr. Marine’s selection of Charles Laarhuis underscores its commitment to ensuring the company is guided by experienced hands capable of navigating these evolving market conditions while maintaining its core focus on safety and compliance.
A New Era of Leadership for Global Expansion
The Mr. Marine Board expressed its strong endorsement of the appointment, emphasizing the deep confidence placed in the new CEO. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Charles to our executive team,” the Board commented. “His proven leadership capabilities, honed over decades in diverse international roles, combined with his deep understanding of the maritime industry, will be invaluable as we continue to aggressively expand our global service portfolio and operational reach. Charles embodies the forward-thinking vision necessary to capitalize on new market opportunities and solidify Mr. Marine’s position as a world-class service provider.”
Charles Laarhuis brings a wealth of relevant, high-level experience from both the technical and executive sides of the industry. His robust background spans the challenging and highly regulated Maritime and Oil & Gas sectors, providing him with a holistic view of the operational realities and compliance demands faced by Mr. Marine’s global clientele.
His professional journey began on the front lines: after successfully completing his education, he spent several years at sea as a marine engineer. This hands-on, practical experience provides him with an intrinsic appreciation for the critical importance of reliable electromechanical equipment and the stringent safety protocols that govern life aboard a vessel. This invaluable seagoing tenure forms the bedrock of his industry understanding.
From Sea to Shore: Expertise in TIC and Global Operations
Following his time at sea, Mr. Laarhuis smoothly transitioned to shore-based leadership roles within the vital TIC (Testing, Inspection, and Certification) and classification fields. This transition saw him assume responsibility for complex, multi-regional operations, overseeing activities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Managing such geographically diverse portfolios equipped him with a profound understanding of international regulations, cultural nuances in business operations, and the logistics required to deliver consistent, high-quality technical services globally.
Most recently, his focus shifted toward strategic corporate development, including the crucial tasks of developing new products and actively engaging in M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) activities within the competitive TIC sector. This strategic work has a direct relevance to Mr. Marine’s growth trajectory, showcasing his ability to identify market gaps and execute expansion strategies. Notably, he has a track record of successfully expanding into emerging markets, demonstrating a keen eye for untapped potential and sustainable growth. This blend of technical marine expertise, global operational management, and strategic corporate development makes Charles Laarhuis the ideal candidate to steer Mr. Marine through its next phase of growth.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Karel Peters
While looking forward to the new era under Mr. Laarhuis, the Board took a moment to reflect on the immense contributions of the outgoing leader. “On behalf of the entire board and the Mr. Marine team, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Karel Peters for his invaluable contribution to Mr. Marine over the past four and a half years,” the statement read.
Karel Peters’s tenure was marked by significant achievements and strategic growth that have fundamentally transformed the organization. Under Karel’s decisive and visionary leadership, Mr. Marine experienced a period of dramatic expansion:
Portfolio Diversification: Mr. Marine successfully added two new, critical business lines to the portfolio (likely referring to the expansion into Ballast Water Treatment Systems and Instruments & Controls), significantly broadening the company’s service offering beyond its core marine elevator expertise.
Network Expansion: The company substantially expanded its global network of certified technicians and port coverage, greatly increasing its ability to serve clients worldwide.
Operational Strength: He was instrumental in strengthening global operations, implementing systems and processes that improved service consistency and efficiency.
His dedication went beyond business metrics; the Board highlighted his commitment to excellence and care for people, qualities that have successfully forged a strong corporate culture. “His efforts have built a strong platform that has robustly positioned Mr. Marine for continued success and growth,” the Board concluded, acknowledging the lasting positive legacy Karel Peters leaves behind.
The Vision for the Future
The new CEO, Charles Laarhuis, shared his excitement and vision for the future of Mr. Marine enthusiastically. “I am excited to join Mr. Marine in its journey towards innovation and growth in the marine sector,” he stated. He emphasized that his immediate focus will be on continuity and acceleration. “My goal is to build on the strong foundation laid by Karel Peters and drive forward our core mission of ensuring the safety and compliance of vessels worldwide.”
He articulated a clear leadership philosophy centered on collaboration and client focus. “I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, empowering our talented team to exceed client expectations and to adapt proactively to the evolving needs of the marine industry.” In a sector defined by rapid technological change (such as digitalization and stricter environmental standards), the ability to adapt and innovate is not optional but essential. Mr. Laarhuis’s emphasis on team empowerment and client-centric solutions promises a dynamic and responsive future for Mr. Marine.
This appointment marks a strategic step forward, ensuring Mr. Marine is led by an executive with the specialized technical background and global strategic experience needed to maintain its market leadership in marine TIC services. The entire organization welcomes Charles Laarhuis and looks forward to working under his leadership to achieve new milestones in innovation and global reach.
Published articles:
![Cover of the MT [Marine Trader] magazine, Issue 156, featuring the IMPA London 2016 Exhibition and the London skyline graphic.](https://mr-marinegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MT-2016-issue-6.png)
