Vacature Chief Executive Officer / CEO

Introduction

• CEO with a strong financial background sought for leading travel specialist organising small-scale activity-filled expedition cruises for travellers to Antarctica, Spitsbergen and Greenland.
• Dynamic and hands-on leader who combines decisiveness, inspiration and an entrepreneurial spirit with vision and a strategic perspective and who will be instrumental in further professionalising and expanding this informal organisation.
• Excellent benefits package, including an annual salary depending on background and experience of around €250,000, a bonus scheme and lease car.

Across more than 30 years, the current director-major shareholders have skilfully transformed the organisation from its pioneering phase into one of the largest tour operators to the polar regions. In light of the current director-major shareholder’s/CEO’s wish to step away from day-to-day operations and Oceanwide Expeditions’ further growth ambitions, BDO Executive Search & Interim is looking for a:

Chief Executive Officer / CEO
- an astute strategist with a strong financial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit who thrives on building meaningful relationships -

Position
Oceanwide Expeditions offers challenging travel programmes to the polar regions with minimum time spent on board, and maximum time exploring on shore. As CEO, you will further their vision of “making an impact on people’s lives” and help expand the organisation.

As CEO, you will have ultimate responsibility for the success and growth of Oceanwide Expeditions; your decisions shape its trajectory and define its direction. Partnering with the CCO, you will form the executive team and work to translate the vision and long-term strategy into concrete actions and results to ensure the organisation’s growth, profitability and continuity. You will report to the shareholders and chair shareholder meetings.

As CEO, your direct responsibilities span finance, IT, HR and operational management, including vessel operations and related activities. The CCO is responsible for sales, marketing, reservations, product development and logistics. Together with the CCO, you will guide the optimisation of vessel occupancy rates, overseeing and balancing the combined interests from a strategic perspective. As part of your role, you will serve as a sparring partner and coach for the management team.

Maintaining oversight of financial results, encompassing budgeting, reporting and risk management, is a key aspect of this role; you will work closely with the finance manager to achieve these objectives. As the CEO, you will make well-informed major financing and investment decisions, engaging in effective negotiations with external financing and other parties. You will liaise with external stakeholders, including banks and other financial institutions, shipyards and suppliers.

Job requirements
As CEO, you embody an entrepreneurial spirit, a hands-on approach and you demonstrate unwavering decisiveness. Your decision-making is marked by conviction, you approach challenges energetically and pragmatically and you transition seamlessly between strategic thinking and operational execution. You have a natural talent for networking and building relationships. As a negotiator, you exude both confidence and charm; you have a coaching leadership style and communicate easily with different nationalities and cultures. Your down-to-earth nature makes you approachable and relatable.

You also have:

• Completed a course of studies at higher professional education (hbo) or university level, preferably in the field of finance/economics.
• At least ten years’ experience in a senior management role, preferably in the travel, cruise/ship, hotel or airline or a similar sector.
• A track record of successfully steering an organisation towards substantial growth.
• Broad experience in professionalising internal organisations.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Dutch, German and/or other languages will be an advantage.

Description of the organisation and the department
In 1993, the Van Gessel family established Oceanwide Expeditions, laying the groundwork for one of the world’s largest and most esteemed polar expedition cruise operators. Employing a sailing vessel which they bought in 1992, Michel and his father Wijnand aimed to follow in the footsteps of Dutch explorers like Willem Barentsz, taking passengers along with them.

Today, Oceanwide Expeditions embarks on around 100 voyages a year operating their own fleet, which consists of three motor vessels and a three-mast schooner. In October 2025, they expect to add a newly built vessel to their fleet. Offering a range of special interest trips and carefully curated open-air activities combined with a focus on sustainability and nature conservation, Oceanwide has won the award for World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator five times.

The company’s success stems from the entrepreneurial spirit of both management and staff, who see opportunities where others see challenges. Individually as well as collectively, they are driven by a desire to enhance people’s enjoyment of the polar regions and create unforgettable travel experiences!

What the company offers
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity in a proud family business that values openness and informality. You will play an important role in the further professionalisation and growth of the organisation, with highly committed and entrepreneurial colleagues. Oceanwide Expeditions offers an excellent benefits package. You will be based in Vlissingen (minimum of 3 days per week), with the option for hybrid working.

Sound interesting?
Recruitment and selection will be handled by BDO Executive Search & Interim. Please send your application, including your CV and a covering letter tailored to the position, to Anouk Vermaak and Anne-Marie de Kuster, quoting vacancy number 705 via the application form. As you would expect, your application will be treated in the strictest confidence. The application process may involve a psychological assessment. The application procedure will conclude with a pre-employment screening.

No agencies please.