The BioMar Group announced that Andrew Campbell, an executive with aquaculture company AKVA Group, has been appointed CEO of AQ1.
BioMar purchased AQ1 Systems, a maker of acoustic feeding technology for the shrimp farming industry, in April 2022. The current CEO, Ross Dodd – who founded AQ1 – has “decided to hand over the position” to Campbell, according to a release from BioMar.
“We are extremely happy that Andrew Campbell has decided to join us to build the future of AQ1. Sustainable aquaculture will be driven by low-impact feed solutions and intelligent feeding technology, enabling efficient farm management,” BioMar Group CEO Carlos Diaz said. “We believe there is huge potential for growth at the intersection between feed and technology, and Andrew brings vast experience to the table.”
Campbell has directed the international operations in the Americas, Austrasia, Mediterranean, and U.K. for AKVA Group for the last 20 years, and previously worked together with Dodd at the company. According to BioMar, they will work together on a transition plan in the coming months.
“Ross Dodd’s contribution to building and guiding AQ1 into a leading position in the shrimp markets has been instrumental, and we welcome his continued involvement in the company. What he has done towards efficient aquaculture is outstanding,” Diaz said. “The algorithms and the acoustic systems are now at a level where we can truly talk about intelligent feeding. Moving into the next phase of technology solutions will open doors to a new generation of sustainable aquaculture.”
The purchase of AQ1 comes soon after BioMar acquired a stake in Vietnam-based shrimp-breeding company Viet-Uc Seafood. BioMar operates shrimp feed factories in Ecuador and Costa Rica, and has been developing feed and technical services for the shrimp industry since 2012.
Campbell said he hopes to continue the progress that Dodd made with AQ1.
“I strongly believe that together we can build on the magic of AQ1, accelerate global growth, and leverage the possibilities for using feeding technologies within the world of shrimp,” Campbell said. “AQ1 is a business with huge potential for leading the technological transformation within shrimp farming, and I am proud that BioMar and Ross have trusted me with this challenge.”
Photo courtesy of BioMar Group
