Joris Saat

Manager Yacht Refit & Conversion @ Damen Maaskant

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands

About

Passionate about building yachts and creating the perfect experience for owners.   With over 20 years of experience as a Project Manager and Owner’s Representative, I am highly driven and committed to deliver the Owner’s perfect Yacht.   Key expertise: - Direct engagement with owners, ensuring clear communication and expectation management; - Setting up, coaching, and leading high-performing project teams; - Optimizing and implementing efficient (production) processes; - Overseeing the entire journey from design to the successful delivery of Superyachts in close collaboration with clients; - Managing, planning, and controlling multi-million EUR 150+ projects. I am always open to connecting with fellow professionals and passionate about mentoring startups and young professionals in the maritime industry.

Experience

  • Manager Yacht Refit & Conversion at Damen Maaskant
    Jul 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 1 mo

    I am passionate about building lasting relationships, driving growth, and finding smart solutions in every opportunity. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with talented teams and strong brands, learning the value of collaboration, resilience, and innovation along the way. I believe in leading by example — encouraging others to grow, take ownership, and bring out their best. Leadership, for me, is about creating an environment where people feel empowered, trusted, and motivated to achieve great results together. I stay curious, focus on meaningful outcomes, and approach every challenge with integrity, enthusiasm, and a long-term view. I am always open to new connections, inspiring conversations, and opportunities to grow together.

  • Member at International Superyacht Society
    Aug 2022 - Present · 4 yrs

  • CEO @ Lethe Nieuwburg at Lethe Nieuwburg B.V.
    Mar 2019 - Oct 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    The LETHE Group is one of the leading suppliers for the yachting, shipbuilding and marine industry in Europe. LETHE Nieuwburg offers a wide range of products and services in the field of insulation, interior & exterior outfit and refit & repair.

  • Director of Projects @ Oculus Technologies at YachtEye
    Jan 2018 - Feb 2019 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Oceanco (11 yrs)
    • Project Manager/Project Director
      Dec 2008 - Jan 2018 · 9 yrs 2 mos

      Oceanco is continually exploring new yacht DESIGNS, both with global world-renowned designers as well as with its own in-house design team. These ‘concepts’ designs represent much more than the proverbial back of the napkin sketch – all are viable and technologically feasible…

    • Ass. Project Manager
      Feb 2007 - Dec 2008 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Oceanco is continually exploring new yacht DESIGNS, both with global world-renowned designers as well as with its own in-house design team. These ‘concepts’ designs represent much more than the proverbial back of the napkin sketch – all are viable and technologically feasible…