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].
– New South Wales, Australia-based aquaculture company Murray Cod Australia (MCA) announced Steven Chaur has been appointed managing director and CEO, effective 20 April 2026.
Murray Cod announced on 6 February that the prior CEO, Ross Anderson, would cease serving in the role effective 20 February.
The company said that to ensure a transition in the span between Anderson’s departure and Chaur taking on the role, current Executive Director of Production and Development Mathew Ryan and current Non-Executive Director Roger Commins will fill in as interim joint chief executive officers.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Ross for his efforts and commitment since co-founding Murray Cod Australia,” MCA Non-Executive Chairman Brett Paton said. “Ross has played an important role in establishing the company and positioning it for its next phase.”
Chaur brings 30 years of sales, brand marketing, and product development and operations experience, Murray Cod said in a release posted to the Australia Securities Exchange. He has also held managing director and CEO roles at Hiro Brands Limited, Castlegate James Australasia, Nutrano Produce Group, Patties Food Limited, and more.
– National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has appointed Gina Mortillaro as new director of scientific affairs on 18 February 2026.
Mortillaro is replacing Margaret Malkoski, who is retiring after 10 years in the role. As director of scientific affairs, Mortillaro will help manage the NFI’s technical programs, provide regulatory guidance to members and represent the industry with federal agencies and scientific partners, according to a company release.
“Margaret leaves an indelible mark on our association and this industry,” NFI President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard said. “We will miss her dedication and deep knowledge. At the same time, we’re pleased to have a regulatory expert with more than twenty years in the business taking the baton.”
Mortillaro has spent decades in the research and development space, as well as working with technical services, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance for seafood companies. In her new role, she will also coordinate research initiatives with the Seafood Industry Research Fund.
“Gina has a strong seafood specific background that includes expertise in HACCP, FSMA, USDA, and NOAA regulations, as well a rich history of developing company programs to comply with any number of regulatory policies,” NFI Chief Science Officer Jon Woody said. “Whether it’s food labeling expertise or review of new procedures and platforms she’s already done it and brings those resources to our membership.”
– Malta-based and internationally operating aquaculture, fisheries, and marine environmental consulting, testing, research and development company AquaBioTech Group has appointed a new board chair.
AquaBioTech appointed Anton J. Buttigieg as the new non-executive chairman effective 23 February 2026 as a part of the company’s continued international expansion plans for land-based fish farming technology, according to a company release. The company added that Buttigieg’s experience should “strengthen its internal governance,” while seeking new projects in Asia and Africa.
“Having worked closely with companies pursuing international growth for many years, I recognize the unique global potential of AquaBioTech Group,” Buttigieg said. “The company has established itself as a global leader in innovative aquaculture solutions, combining scientific excellence with practical, scalable technologies that are making a real impact worldwide. I am delighted to support the board and executive team as we strengthen our presence across Asia, Africa, and other key regions, delivering solutions that meet the world’s growing demand for sustainable seafood.”
Buttigieg began his career in 2000 in the semiconductor manufacturing realm, before moving to economics and consulting. In December 2020, he worked as vice president for Trade Promotion Europe for the next four years and one month. After that, he became the CEO at TradeMalta, where he remained for 10 years and four months working on national trade promotion for Malta-based companies looking to export and internationalize. AquaBioTech Group said as CEO of TradeMalta, Buttigieg “supported hundreds of Malta-based companies in expanding internationally through financial incentives, market intelligence, trade missions, and participation in major global trade shows.
“We are all delighted to have Anton join and lead the board of directors as our new Chairman as we have witnessed first-hand his hard work with Trade Malta over the years,” AquaBioTech Group CEO Shane Hunter said. “As an export orientated business with clients and projects in more than sixty countries, we welcome his experience to the team and his oversight as we continue our international expansion.”
