I have been working at Mr Smith, based in Nijmegen, The Netherlands for over eight years, and during that time I’ve had the privilege of watching AV/IT systems on board superyachts evolve dramatically
Innovation
When I first joined, technology was already advanced, but compared to today it was far less seamless and intuitive. Now, as Senior Project Manager, I’m right in the middle of this transformation, making sure every project we deliver combines technical excellence with practical usability. My role is incredibly diverse. One day I might be deep in scope definition and budgets, and the next I’m coordinating suppliers, shipyards and engineers, or sitting with crew on board to fine-tune a system. That variety is exactly what makes this job so enjoyable.
At Mr Smith, we don’t just integrate systems, we also develop our own solutions. One of the best examples is SuperYacht IPTV, our dedicated streaming service built exclusively for the superyacht market. It delivers live TV and on-demand content anywhere in the world, even when connectivity isn’t ideal. Owners and guests expect flawless entertainment, and SuperYacht IPTV gives them exactly that.
Variety is the spice of life
Another highlight is LAVIE, our in-house AV solution. LAVIE integrates audio, video, lighting, and even climate control into one elegant, intuitive platform. It simplifies complexity, making sure that using the yacht’s systems is effortless, whether you’re dimming lights on the sundeck or streaming a film in the main salon. For me, these innovations show how far we’ve come as a company, and why I still find the work so exciting.
One thing I really value is that we take on projects of all sizes with the same level of dedication. Whether it’s a 30-metre yacht or a 100-metre-plus vessel, the commitment to quality and detail doesn’t change. Every project is treated as unique, and every client deserves the best possible service.
Keeping grounded
What makes my work especially rewarding is the direct contact with crew on board. They are the people who use these systems every day, and their feedback is essential. I enjoy those conversations because they keep me grounded and make sure the systems we design aren’t just technically advanced, but also practical and reliable in daily life.
Working in the superyacht industry is definitely a privilege. It takes me to some incredible places and allows me to be part of projects that most people never get to experience. At the same time, it’s not always glamorous. The work is demanding, deadlines are tight, and expectations are high. But that balance of privilege and challenge is what makes it so interesting to me.
What really ties everything together is the down-to-earth environment at Mr Smith. Despite working in a high-end industry, we are a practical, collaborative team that focuses on solving problems and moving forward together. That atmosphere, combined with the diversity of the work and the pace of development, is why, after more than eight years, I still enjoy every single day.
Outside the Office
When I’m not managing projects, I like to keep active. As you’ve probably guessed, being Dutch that means two wheels! I’m a keen mountainbiker, and I spend much of my free time out on the trails, enjoying both the physical challenge and the sense of freedom it brings in the surrounding areas around Nijmengen.
I also have a passion for tinkering with old bicycles, restoring and fine-tuning them in my spare time. It’s a different kind of project management, but one that gives me just as much satisfaction.
