To keep up to date with the latest personnel changes across the seafood industry, SeafoodSource is compiling a regular round-up of hiring announcements and other personnel-related shifts worldwide. If you have an announcement, please send it to [email protected].
– Mowi Chairman of the Board Ørjan Svanevik has resigned from his position, effective immediately.
Svanevik served as chair for two years, replacing former chairman Ole-Eirik Lerøy who stepped down in October 2024.
Svanevik came to the board position with broad operational experience, previously serving as CEO of Arendals Fossekompani, head of M&A at Aker, and chief operating officer of Kværner. He has also held chair and board positions at several companies, including Volue, Seadrill, Archer, Axactor, Western Bulk, and Paratus Energy.
Current Vice Chair of the Board Leif Teksum will serve as intermediate chair during the transition. Teksum has been on Mowi’s board since 2024 and brings over 30 years of experience at Norwegian financial services firm DNB.
– Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.-based seafood restaurant Red Lobster announced Brad Hill as incoming CFO and executive vice president of transformation and Kristen Briede as the chain's new chief global development officer.
"Red Lobster has made significant progress coming out of a challenging period, and we're now shifting from stabilization to a disciplined, execution-led growth phase focused on optimizing the guest experience, driving operational excellence, accelerating real estate optimization, and building a stronger platform for durable growth," Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun said. "Brad and Kristen are proven, high-impact leaders. Brad brings the operational finance leadership and transformation mindset to drive outcomes, and Kristen brings deep experience building best-in-class franchise, partnership, and retail brand development engines. I'm excited to welcome them both to Red Lobster."
Hill, who is replacing Bob Baker in the CFO role, will lead Red Lobster’s financial organization while also overseeing planning, forecasting, and stakeholder reporting, according to the company. In his role, he will also partner with operations to drive financial performance and lead the company’s real estate efforts through negotiations, economic analysis, and deal execution.
His previous work experience included multiple executive roles with Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A.-based Chinese restaurant P.F. Chang’s, where he partnered finance and operations capabilities to drive performance and executed real estate initiatives for the company, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As chief global development officer, Briede will lead Red Lobster’s asset-light growth and brand development agenda, which will include domestic and international franchising, travel and airport formats, strategic partnerships, and retail and licensing opportunities, Red Lobster said in a release. Her work experience includes scaling franchising and partnership platforms at P.F. Chang’s and Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.-based fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake.
“These leadership changes reflect Red Lobster's commitment to strengthening its operational foundation, enhancing agility, and delivering an improved experience for guests as the company continues executing its long‑term growth plan,” the chain said.
– Valderøy, Norway-based seafood processing company Optimar announced Gudjon Ingi Gudjonsson as its new sales manager.
“I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Optimar, who share a passion for advancing the seafood industry,” Gudjonsson said. “The opportunity to work with cutting-edge solutions in automation, sustainability, and operational excellence is truly motivating.”
Gudjonsson’s prior work experience lies exclusively within the seafood industry, focusing on sales and marketing. He’s also worked with selling advanced, high-tech machinery to global customers and worked with wastewater solutions within aquaculture. At Optimar, Gudjonsson said automation, digitization, and sustainability will be the focus of his work. The global demand for seafood is continuing to grow, he said in a company release, and companies must find innovative ways to use technology to meet demands by not depleting supply.
“We are very happy to have Gudjon join Optimar,” Optimar Chief Commercial Officer Jannicke Valderhaug said. “His industry knowledge, international experience, and technical understanding will benefit our ability to support customers across markets. Gudjon brings both commercial insight and a genuine passion for the seafood industry, which fits perfectly with our culture and ambitions.”
