The Aquaculture Stewardship Council on Wednesday appointed Chris Ninnes as CEO.
As former deputy chief executive of the Marine Stewardship Council, Ninnes has a deep knowledge of the changing market developments in the seafood value chain, a strong commercial and developing world skill-set and brings with him significant experience in building a sustainable fisheries development certification programs, according to an ASC press release.
With his role at the MSC, Ninnes with direct line reports for regional operational teams in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific and for the technical teams within the standards and licensing department. He was a member of the senior management team, a director of MSC’s trading company, a member of the finance committee and a non-executive member within MSC’s governance bodies. He was also heavily involved in ISEAL, serving as vice chair and executive committee member of the board and member of the finance committee.
Before his position at MSC, Ninnes held the position of technical director at MRAG Ltd. and as VP of MRAG Americas. He built up extensive change management experience in various roles within the UK government’s Department for International Development with senior experience in eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. His career started as a fisheries officer in Kenya (VSO) and was formerly a commercial fishermen operating off the southwest coast of the United Kingdom.
“I speak on behalf of the entire supervisory board in expressing our delight with bringing on Chris as the new CEO of the ASC,” said Jose Villalon, ASC chairman. “Chris will bring a wealth of maturity and a broad base of experience in managing and operating credible standard holding bodies. His efficient management of transparent multi-stakeholder initiatives and respected experience in delivering strategic solutions in these environments will ensure ASC operates robustly in this arena.”
