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].
– Kent Kongsdal Rasmussen, the CEO of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based Pure Salmon Technology, will step down at the end of May, the company confirmed.
In a release about the news, Pure Salmon called Rasmussen’s six years at the company a “transformational tenure.”
Rasmussen led the company through a number of expansions, including strategic acquisitons of HyFlow, a waterborne feed technology firm, and Billund Aquaculture, as well as a partnership with 8F Asset Management to collaborate with Ecofisk AS to develop a Norwegian post-smolt facility. The company grew from 50 to 80 employees under Rasmussen’s leadership and now includes offices in Norway, Denmark, Abu Dhabi, and Australia.
“It has been an incredible journey, and I feel privileged to have been part of Pure Salmon and 8F Asset Management. We have achieved remarkable results, firmly establishing Pure Salmon Technology on the Norwegian as well as the global aquaculture map," Rasmussen said. "With significant projects in Norway, an international project pipeline, and a solid aftermarket business, the company is well-positioned for future success. I look forward to my next professional chapter while cherishing the friendships and partnerships built over the years.”
Stephane Farouze, the chairman and founder of 8F Asset Management, said that Rasmussen’s “vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory.”
Luke Kellgren-Parker, who currently serves as the firm's COO, will take over the position that Rasmussen leaves.
“I was originally recruited by Kent and have worked closely with him over the years, and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to take up the role as CEO,” Kellgren-Parker said. “Kent and I will work closely together in the coming months to make a good transition, and I plan to communicate in more details the leadership structure looking ahead."
– Boise, Idaho, U.S.A.-based supermarket chain Albertsons has announced that Susan Morris, a 40-year veteran of the company, will take over as CEO when Vivek Sankaran retires on 1 May.
Morris currently serves as executive vice president and chief operations officer. In May, she will claim the top spot, as well as Sankaran’s position on the Alberstons board.
“The board is confident that Susan is the ideal person to lead the company into its next chapter of growth. With a nearly 40-year career at the company that began at an Albertsons store in the Denver market, Susan brings unmatched expertise and deep knowledge of the business," Albertsons Board of Directors Chair Jim Donald said. "She is highly respected across the organization and industry, with a strong track record of operational success and passion for serving our customers and communities.”
Morris said she was “honored” by the appointment and confident that the transition would go smoothly.
“I have worked closely with Vivek and the leadership team on our plans to accelerate growth and am confident that we are on the right path with our Customers for Life strategy,” she said. “I look forward to participating in the fiscal Q4 earnings call where we will discuss our strategy and provide our fiscal 2025 outlook. Albertsons has an incredibly bright future and the best team in the business; I am energized about the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
Sankaran spent six years as CEO, during which time the company attempted to acquire grocery chain Kroger; though the deal initially looked promising, it collapsed after it was blocked by a Washington state court over monopoly concerns.
The board thanked Sankaran for his leadership, saying that he had led the company through “the Covid-19 pandemic and … challenging industry dynamics.”
– Netherlands-based packaging company Niverplast has announced that Scott Williams and Garret Wampler will join its U.S. sales force at its first U.S. location in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The strategic expansion aims to provide "enhanced sales and service support to its growing U.S. customer base," the company said.
“With the opening of our Grand Rapids location, we are doubling down on our commitment to serve the U.S. market more effectively," Sales Business Development Lead Mark Finneran said. "Adding Scott and Garrett to our team ensures that we have the right people in place to deliver not only exceptional products but also the dedicated support and service our customers have come to expect.”
