Paul van Vuuren (pictured) has taken up the position of VDL Bus and Coach CEO. He succeeds Henk Coppens and combines the role with being a member of the executive board of VDL Groep.
Paul became Managing Director of VDL Nedcar in 2017 and joined the group’s executive board in early 2021. Prior to that he was employed in the financial sector for many years.
The transition has come about because of Henk’s long-held indication to step down when he reaches the age of 62, which he will in August.
Henk joined VDL from Philips in 2015 and become CEO of VDL Bus and Coach and Senior Vice President of VDL Groep since February 2017. “We have recently invested a lot in adapting and improving the production process,” he says. “This is something that I look back on with great satisfaction, because it says a lot about the flexibility and quality of the organisation.
“For example, employees from Heerenveen, Roeselare and Valkenswaard exchanged knowledge and experience in the field of building buses. The Valkenswaard plant is now equipped to handle both coaches and public transport. As soon as the coach market picks up, we will be ready.”
On his successor at the helm of VDL Bus and Coach, Henk adds: “I am very grateful that Paul van Vuuren is willing to step in, giving me the opportunity to step down. I can look back on a wonderful period with a wonderful company. Despite the fact that the bus division of VDL Groep faces many challenges in the coming months, I am convinced that the organisation will make great strides forward.”
