4 March 2025 – IADC is pleased to announce that on 1 April, Arnold de Bruijn (1980) will join the association as the eventual successor to Secretary-General, René Kolman, who has represented the international dredging sector since 2008. Kolman will retire on 1 November and, following that transition period, De Bruijn will formally take over the role of Secretary-General.
Arnold de Bruijn has valuable background in the dredging industry. He began his career at Royal IHC, where he worked for nearly 12 years in various roles, including Manager of Development for Cutter Suction Dredgers and Manager of Engineering. De Bruijn also has experience in the trade association sector. For the last eight and a half years, he worked at Netherlands Maritime Technology (now known as NMT-IRO), holding various positions - with the last two years as Team Lead Sector Management and a member of the Management Team.
Frank Verhoeven, President of IADC: “The IADC Board sees Arnold de Bruijn as the ideal successor due to his industry knowledge, vision, and leadership. With his experience and fresh perspective he will not only build on the current trajectory, but also seize new opportunities to raise the profile of the sector internationally.”
René Kolman: “I have had a wonderful time serving as Secretary-General at IADC, in a sector that is continuously evolving. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with many experts from our member companies to advocate the value our industry brings. It is a sector that is a frontrunner in developing and implementing sustainable marine solutions. Despite the challenges we face in achieving long-term sustainable solutions, I am convinced this is the way forward. I wish Arnold every success in his new role.”
Arnold de Bruijn: “This role perfectly combines my background as a shipbuilder in the dredging industry and my experience as an advocate and manager in a trade association. I am honoured to represent IADC and its members and see a great opportunity to contribute to an industry that makes the world a safer, better and more sustainable place. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience in my new role and working with a professional and enthusiastic team to make a positive contribution to the global dredging industry; I can’t wait to get started.”