AK marketeers is a strategic marketing consultancy based in the Netherlands and Fort Lauderdale and operates worldwide. We help our clients to develop, create, nurture and cherish international (luxury) brands in the UHNWI environment. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to involve and engage our clients audience. AKmarketeers.com

Ruijdenhoep manages investment projects, primarily in the field of real estate in the tourism environment. The current portfolio includes projects in Europe and the USA.

As marketing director, I participated in and contributed to the senior leadership of the yard and its shareholders. To increase awareness and revenues, I was responsible for the overall development, management and execution of the short- and long-term marketing strategy and programme.Whilst reporting to the Managing Director, I managed the marketing budget and performance-driven marketing plan, and created and monitored KPIs to increase effectiveness and facilitate best practices. I oversaw and managed the relationships with external media partners.I managed the creative process and provided strategic direction for all marketing related areas (including but not limited to: brand, signage, websites, digital & print advertising, email & collateral) in which I managed and developed a marketing team comprised of eight internal and external professionals.Achievements and successes include:• Developed strategic design & operational realisation of new international marketing and branding programme, positioning Claasen as a leading brand within global yachting industry within two years• Placed strong focus on international PR and networking to enhance visibility in the yachting market • Successfully introduced several sailing superyachts to the market like the Js Lionheart and SVEA (contributing to the J-Class revival in the process), the F-Class Firefly and the Truly Classic 127 Atalante• Established marketing partnerships and implemented result-driven strategies and PR together with trade organisations such as HISWA, Holland Yachting Group and international trade show organisers• Developed strong relationships with various international sailing regattas • Maintained regular contact with yacht owners in the framework of marketing and communication

As marketing manager, I helped transform Mulder Shipyard into a globally renowned Dutch superyacht brand. General activities ranged from creating international marketing programmes and campaigns, overseeing content strategy, analysing market data and handling external communication to the development of/participation in international events and trade shows, managing projects, budgets and marketing team, supporting sales, reporting to general management and providing monthly performance reviews to the Board.Achievements and successes of note include:• Developed and implemented international marketing strategy and significantly strengthened yard’s export position• Full repositioning of brand from small local yard with few projects to major builder with international reputation• Enhanced visibility in international yachting market via strong focus on PR and networking • Major repositioning of heritage Mulder Favorite series as new model with excellent sales results • Introduced and positioned over 30 superyachts in international yachting community along with various yacht concepts • Established successful marketing partnerships and implemented result-driven strategies and PR with trade organisations such as HISWA, Holland Yachting Group, IYBA and boat show organisers• Proactive cooperation with Holland Yachting Group further established ‘Dutch Yachting’ as a brand and attracted government subsidies for superyacht sector• Ultimate outcome for Mulder was a 30% turnover growth, the opening of a second yard location and a brand which was fully prepared for further growth in future