At the 2025 ISS Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Rose Damen was recognised by her peers for outstanding leadership that blends family heritage with a bold vision for crafting luxury superyachts while championing ocean conservation and gender diversity.
Damen Yachting‘s Managing Director, Rose Damen, has been awarded the esteemed International Superyacht Society (ISS) Leadership Award for her visionary leadership and transformative impact within the superyacht sector.
The accolade was presented on October 29, 2025, at the ISS Awards ceremony and gala, held at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the highly regarded Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).
A third-generation shareholder and driving force behind Damen Shipyards Group’s luxury yachting division, Rose Damen epitomises the fusion of long-standing family heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Since taking the helm in 2014, she has spearheaded Damen Yachting’s evolution into a global leader renowned for blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.
Under her stewardship, Damen Yachting has produced nearly 100 exquisite superyachts, including the celebrated Amels range. At FLIBS 2025, the company showcased the stunning Amels 242, Casino Royale—a 74-metre bespoke superyacht designed by Tim Heywood with interiors by Winch Design, featuring luxurious amenities to accommodate 12 guests and 19 crew in supreme comfort.
Rose Damen’s leadership extends beyond shipbuilding excellence. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability, advancing initiatives that minimise environmental impact from the yard to the oceans. This vision is embodied in programmes such as Love Our Oceans, which Damen proudly supports.
Equally committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, Rose is a founding force behind the Women in Yachting network, elevating the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Her award recognises not only business success but also her role as a trailblazer driving cultural change, sustainability, and inclusivity. Rose Damen’s achievements have garnered wide recognition, including her status as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and various entrepreneurial honours alongside her sister.
Damen Yachting, operating the largest luxury yacht yard in the Netherlands with over 1,500 skilled craftsmen and women, continues to set benchmarks globally—with Rose Damen’s inspiring leadership steering the company confidently into the next era of elegant, sustainable superyacht design.
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