With effect from January 2026, Juriaan Steenland has assumed the role of CEO of C. Steinweg Netherlands. He succeeds Peter Pesselse, who, as planned, has retired after a long and successful career. The transition between Peter and Juriaan was organised with care and attention, allowing both CEOs to work side by side for two months to ensure a smooth handover.

“Peter introduced me to the organisation, opened up his network and truly gave me a flying start”, Juriaan says. “I’m very grateful to him for that.”

A moment to pause and reflect

It is no secret that Steinweg has faced a number of fatal accidents in recent years. These incidents have had a profound impact on families, colleagues, the organisation itself and beyond. Juriaan does not shy away from this reality.

“When something like this happens, you cannot pretend nothing is wrong”, he says. “It affects everyone and first requires a period of intense reflection. How could this have happened? What should we have done differently? And where do we go from here?”

He is clear that there is work to be done. “There is no point in downplaying what has happened. As an organisation we need to look at ourselves honestly in the mirror. Not to assign blame, but to become better.”

At the same time, he stresses that this does not mean Steinweg was or is inherently unsafe. “If everything had been perfect, these incidents would not have happened. That requires honesty. But it is not black and white, many things are done well. The question now is, how we ensure safety improves on a structural and sustainable basis.”

“Time for a breath of fresh air”

In response to the situation, Juriaan has chosen to bring in external expertise in the form of DSS+. Steinweg is now working with DSS+, an internationally recognised specialist in safety transformations. “You cannot solve everything on your own”, he explains. “We need subject matter experts who work on safety every day, who dare to challenge us and help us design better processes. It’s time for a breath of fresh air; the windows and doors need to be opened.”

That metaphor fits his approach: open, transparent and without unnecessary embellishment of what has historically occurred. “This is not about cosmetic solutions. We must be willing to go back to the basics, examine everything critically and rebuild where necessary. Not because the past was worthless, but because we want to be fit for the future.”

Building safety layer by layer

Juriaan sees safety as a system of interconnected layers. Culture, procedures, training, and supervision all belong together. “Knowledge requires continuous maintenance, routines need reflection and circumstances change”, he says. “That is exactly why we must stay sharp and ensure these layers reinforce one another. Our task is to continuously strengthen, maintain and safeguard those layers of safety.”

He thinks in terms of years, not weeks. “This is not a sprint. It is a multi-year journey. We want to become best in class when it comes to safety. That takes structure, discipline, and the courage to be honest about what still needs improvement.” But, he emphasizes, that does not mean waiting years before action is taken. “We are building a structurally safer Steinweg, and that starts today.”

People at the center, including in safety

Anyone speaking with Juriaan quickly notices that his leadership starts with people.

“When people get energy from their work, feel seen and understand why rules exist and why compliance matters, performance will follow naturally. That applies just as much to safety behavior.”

According to him, safety must be lived and breathed throughout the organization. “Rules alone are not enough. It’s about working for one another, not just with one another. Stepping in when you see something because you care about your colleague. In conversations I have already had with operational and non-operational staff within Steinweg, I can clearly see that the mindset already exists. I want to build on that.”

He also reflects critically on his own role. “Safety starts with me. If I want to see different behavior in the organization, I must lead by example. Being open, approachable and consistent, that is the standard I hold myself to as well.”

A company in a changing industry

Beyond safety, Juriaan keeps a close eye on the broader context in which Steinweg operates. The industrial landscape in the Netherlands is changing rapidly. “Part of the manufacturing industry in the Netherlands is shrinking or relocating”, he says. “But global demand for products continues to grow. Production is simply shifting to other parts of the world. That affects our customers, and it affects us.”

This calls for an agile Steinweg. “Our business model must be fit for purpose. Alongside top-level safety performance, we need the best technology, the best people, and the best processes. The type of goods we handle or the way we work may change, but there will be plenty of work for years to come. In fact, the Port of Rotterdam still faces a major shortage of skilled people.”

Sustainability: making real impact

When it comes to sustainability, Juriaan is unequivocal: it must not be a side issue or a marketing exercise. “For me, sustainability means making real impact”, he says. “Not planting a symbolic tree for show, but focusing on what truly makes a difference in our core activities. This means, for the environment, for people and for society.”

Innovation plays a key role. “Innovation is the path to sustainable progress. That can mean cleaner technologies, smarter logistics, less waste or better energy efficiency. But we must always look at the entire chain: where does our energy come from, which materials do we use, what is the total footprint? Only then can you make choices that are genuinely sustainable.”

Working with the wider community

Juriaan clearly sees Steinweg as part of the broader Rotterdam and Dutch community. “You cannot operate in isolation at the edge of the port”, he says. “We are part of the region and its communities. That means working together with partners across the supply chain, but also with schools, educational institutions, neighborhoods, and initiatives in the city.”

As an employer, Steinweg has an important role to play. “There is so much talent in and around Rotterdam, including among young people who do not automatically see the port as an option. If we can reach them and offer opportunities, we create impact on multiple levels; for individuals, for the city and for our company.”

Open, transparent, and future-focused

The coming years, Juriaan says, will be about building. “We are going back to the basics so that we can build a strong, safe and future-proof organisation”, he concludes. “We will do that openly and transparently. For our customers, but equally for our people and for the society around us.”

His message to employees, partners and stakeholders is clear: “We must not only work together, but we must also want to work for one another. Safety truly comes first, people are at the center, and the windows and doors are open. This will take time, years even. It is not the easiest moment to step in, but Steinweg is a strong company with a rich history. I look forward to writing the next chapter together with my colleagues.”

Published on: January 6, 2026