Meet Stefan Nieuwenhuijs: Videoworks’ new Managing Director – Superyacht Times

Interview to Stefan Nieuwenhuijs.

By Sophie Spicknell

Last month, Videoworks, a leader in advanced audio-visual, IT and communication systems for superyachts, announced significant changes to its European subsidiary’s leadership team. These changes saw the transition of Mauro Frattesi to the role of President of Videoworks Europe, while Stefan Nieuwenhuijs stepped into the position of Managing Director for Videoworks Europe and Maurizio Minossi remained as CEO of the Videoworks Group.

During METSTRADE 2024, Videoworks presented its latest technological solutions for yachts, giving visitors the opportunity to explore cutting-edge innovations designed to enhance onboard connectivity, security and comfort.

SuperYacht Times News Editor Sophie Spicknell sat down with the new Managing Director Stefan Nieuwenhuijs to find out more about these solutions and his plans to further expand the company’s market influence across Europe.

A new chapter with Stefan Nieuwenhuijs

Bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the marine industry, Stefan Nieuwenhuijs comes from a background in electrical engineering and has been involved in various AV/IT companies over the years.

“What drew me towards Videoworks was the appeal that they had started as a 100 percent Italian company in the Netherlands and that they were looking to expand into the Dutch and German markets,” explained Stefan Nieuwenhuijs.

Starting in 1974, Videoworks, the newborn division of The Pellegrini Group, made its first Audio/Video system for CRN’s 40-metre yacht Moneikos (now Ava). In 2008, they opened an office in Milan and by 2015, the international expansion phase had begun, with the establishment of Videoworks Europe, formerly in Aalsmeer and currently in Schiphol-Rijk, The Netherlands.

“I joined Videoworks because of their strong commitment to expanding within the Dutch market. Their decision to appoint a local Dutch professional was, to me, a significant compliment, reflecting their confidence and trust in the potential growth of the market in the Netherlands.”

With a proven track record in leading key projects and fostering client relations at Videoworks, Stefan is well-equipped to drive the company’s European operations forward. “We are steadily building a strong reputation, with clients recommending us to others because they appreciate our no-nonsense, technical approach. Growth should never be the primary objective—it’s a natural outcome of consistent performance.”

A leader in AV/IT

Videoworks, in partnership with its sister company Itworks, delivers a fully in-house hardware and software system architecture. At every stage of a project, their expert team ensures a seamless balance of reliability and innovation. Their collaborations extend to leading Italian and international development companies, encompassing home automation systems, ERP integration, voice-picking solutions, and mobile app development.

Videoworks’ reputation as a leader in AV/IT and connectivity solutions is rooted in its dedication to innovation. Nieuwenhuijs emphasised the company’s focus on creating systems that are both complex and intuitive, ensuring that clients can manage their onboard technologies with ease. “We simplify complex and innovative AV/IT systems, transforming them into user-friendly solutions for yachts.”

“We build innovative AV and IT systems that integrate security, camera, and visual solutions into a single, user-friendly interface. Our focus is on providing intuitive control—just like navigating your phone, it should be effortless and straightforward.”

A Vision for the future

As Videoworks Europe moves into this exciting new chapter, the focus remains on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the unique demands of the superyacht industry. With Nieuwenhuijs at the helm, the company is set to further strengthen its position in Europe while maintaining its commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.

“We are a highly technology-driven company, actively collaborating with young engineers and universities to push the boundaries of innovation. Last year, we delivered our first yacht equipped with AI technology designed to optimise cost savings, improve energy efficiency, and use predictive algorithms to anticipate system needs.”

“I find AI exciting and far from intimidating—it’s a tool that complements and enhances what we do. We are also exploring AI-driven documentation systems to simplify user interaction, further streamlining operations and improving accessibility.”