Our Team
Our team consists of experienced naval architects and marine engineers with all their own specialization, each driven by an undeniable passion for the craft. Many of our projects combine all our expertises; innovative design, naval architecture and engineering, offering an ideal synergy. We are used to thinking quickly and neutralizing problems before they arise. Our team spirit is a major part of this: together we always find a solution to any challenge.
Our team consists of experienced naval architects and marine engineers with all their own specialization, each driven by an undeniable passion for the craft. Many of our projects combine all our expertises; innovative design, naval architecture and engineering, offering an ideal synergy. We are used to thinking quickly and neutralizing problems before they arise. Our team spirit is a major part of this: Together we always find a solution to any challenge.
Hans-Maarten Bais
Creative Director & Naval Architect
Living close to the beach, I always loved the sea and watching the ships pass by. Studying Naval Architecture was a logical decision to learn more about ships and design. In 1998, I started working for DIANA, and in 2003 the first yacht I designed was delivered. Nowadays, I’m Creative Director and Co-owner of the company. Working with a great team and realizing clients’ dreams doesn’t feel like a job!
Bart de Haan
Operations Director & Naval Architect
I started working at Diana Yacht Design directly after finishing my naval architecture studies in 2005 and became a partner in the company in 2012. In my daily work, I combine the roles of Naval Architect, Project Manager, and Director of Operations. Within this variety of work, my favourite part of being a naval architect is adding value to the building process and combining everybody’s wishes into a beautiful yacht.
Jerry Lakeman
Financial Director & Marine Engineer
Since my childhood, I have had a passion for water and sailing. Directly after studying Mechanical Engineering, I started working at Diana Yacht Design. After six years of engineering and more than 12 yachts, two colleagues and I got the opportunity to take over the company. Since then, I have been the Financial Director, responsible for corporate liquidity, investments, and risk management related to the company’s financial activities. Besides that, I still like to work on all our beautiful and different projects.
Ingeborg Belterman
Marketing & Office manager
For more than 15 years, I worked in the tourism industry, specializing in golf travel. After successfully selling my company and travelling the world, I was ready for a new adventure, so I joined the DIANA team. Together with our amazing, creative, and fun team of designers, naval architects, and engineers, I create the right mix of marketing and PR activities that brings DIANA’s craftsmanship to the world.
Anton Verhoef
Naval Engineer
Building an Optimist with my father and teaching sailing on the Polyvalk in Friesland made me enthusiastic about yachts. I have always been interested in technics, studied shipbuilding in Rotterdam, and have been working in the yacht industry since 2006. My main job within the DIANA team is working on construction drawings and preparing them to meet the yacht’s flag requirements. To relax, I still step on board a sailing boat whenever possible and sail on the North Sea, or you’ll find me in the dunes on my mountain bike.
Nick Tot
Naval Architect
Growing up in a small port city, I always had some connection to the water. However, I never thought about entering the maritime industry until the school where I was studying Mechanical Engineering launched a Naval Architecture programme. A lightbulb went off in my head, and I signed up at the earliest opportunity. In 2012, I did my thesis at DIANA, and since then I have grown into my current role as Naval Architect and Project Manager. After more than a decade of working in the industry, I have never had any regrets and still enjoy it every day!
Casper Marelis
Designer & Naval Architect
Back in 2014, I joined the Diana Yacht Design team as a graduate intern. Having successfully completed my Maritime Technology degree, I was offered a position to stay at DIANA and started as a Naval Architect. Through BOAT International, I competed in the Young Designer Awards, since the design side of a luxury yacht attracted me very much. Making it to the finals showed my ability, enthusiasm, and passion for design. Now I’m involved in both exterior design and the technical side, such as naval architecture and construction.
Richard Vlaar
Naval Architect
My childhood summers were spent on every waterway in the Netherlands, since my parents owned a small motorboat. I loved being on the water and drawing all the yachts I saw. So it was obvious I would go on to study Naval Architecture. In 2013, I started working at DIANA, having previously worked at several other companies active in yacht building. As a Naval Architect, I enjoy the process of designing something new and seeing it built! Outside of work, you’ll find me on stage, I’m a passionate singer and performer in musical theatre productions.
Yoeri van Ommen
Naval Architect
My story at DIANA starts in 2011, when I was looking for an internship for my studies in Naval Architecture. Now, 15 years later, I am still part of the team and love being involved in all our projects. In my work as Naval Architect and Project Manager, I specialize in managing and designing all varieties of structures and arrangements. Besides my work, I am an enthusiastic sailor, competing in Dutch Regattas, and during the winter, I love to go off-piste skiing.
Thomas Barens
Naval Architect
From a young age, I developed a passion for sailing, spending much of my youth on the water with scouting. This early love naturally led me to pursue a degree in Maritime Engineering, having always been particularly drawn to the elegance of superyachts. During my studies, I interned at Diana Yacht Design, where I was fortunate enough to continue working as a student employee. Upon graduating, I returned to Diana Yacht Design to embark on my career there full-time, focused on infusing elegance into my technical designs.
Albert Haasnoot
Naval Architect
Before I joined Diana Yacht Design, I passed in 2016 for my maritime officer licence and spend 2 years on board of merchant cargo vessels. After that, I started my study Naval Architecture at Rotterdam Mainport University, which I graduated from in 2020. The yacht building industry has always been a passion to me. At home I design my own 3D printed yacht models and now I am working on them for real. It’s an amazing opportunity to work in this challenging and exciting industry with such a great team.
Jim de Goede
Marine Engineer
I have been around boats and sailing for as long as I can remember, so a career in the maritime industry felt natural. During my Mechanical Engineering studies, I gained hands-on experience in leisure boating, which deepened my interest in yachts. At DIANA, I focus on the technical development of side shell door systems and other complex onboard features. With a strong foundation in 3D modelling, I enjoy turning engineering challenges into reliable, practical solutions, bringing a fresh perspective as someone who came into yachting from outside the industry.