Alf-Helge Aarskog has stepped down as CEO of Mowi ASA after almost 10 years in the role, and has been replaced by Ivan Vindheim, who has been Mowi’s CFO since 2012.
No reason was given by the company for the move, which was announced the morning of Tuesday, 12 November, though Mowi Board Chairman Ole-Eirik Lerøy praised Aarskog’s decade of service to the company.
“Alf-Helge has transformed Mowi to a leading product-driven seafood company, with industry leading positions in genetics, feed, farming, sales, and consumer products,” Lerøy said. “The strategic choices made over the years have turned Mowi into a strong company with a focus on developing the salmon category. Aarskog is a true salmon farmer, and he has spread enthusiasm and passion for salmon throughout our global organization.”
Vindheim has held various executive positions in the seafood industry, including leadership positions at Mowi. He holds a master’s degree in business and an MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics, and he is also a state-authorized public accountant and certified European financial analyst.
“I am delighted that Ivan has taken on this challenge,” Lerøy said. “We have had a thorough recruitment process where the board has been looking for the best candidate to lead Mowi going forward. Ivan has a strong commercial track-record and has the best qualifications for delivering on our corporate strategy. He also represents continuity.”
In the company press release, Vindheim said the move does not represent a change in company strategy.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead Mowi together with more than 14,500 highly competent colleagues,” Vindheim said. “It is with humbleness I take on this task. Mowi is the leading global aquaculture company and we have many opportunities ahead of us. The board’s strategy for Mowi of being a leading integrated seafood provider remains unchanged, and together with the rest of the organization I look forward to continuing to make Mowi a stronger company and execute on our strategy. Alf-Helge has been a great leader and colleague over the years and I would also like to take the opportunity to thank him for making such a valuable contribution.”
Meanwhile, Kristian Ellingsen, who has served as Mowi’s group accounting director for the past four years, has been appointed Mowi’s new CFO.
“I am very pleased with Kristian taking over as the CFO of Mowi,” Vindheim said. “Kristian is very talented and has deep knowledge of the company and the organization. This secures momentum from day one as well as continuity.”
Photo courtesy of Mowi
