The board of SalMar has appointed Olav-Andreas Ervik as the Norway-based salmon farming company’s new CEO following Trond Williksen’s decision to leave the role.
Ervik, 41, has more than 20 years of experience in the aquaculture industry, and has worked for SalMar since 2012. He was appointed as director of farming in 2014.
In a statement, Atle Eide, chairman of SalMar, said, “The board of directors regrets that Trond Williksen has asked for relief from his position as CEO. In his role as CEO, he has continued SalMar's efforts to be industry leading in biological production. Through his work, he has also contributed to the foundation on which to base a solid future development for the company.”
Eide continued, “Olav-Andreas Ervik is well acquainted with the SalMar Group and its culture, and with him on board, SalMar is well equipped to deliver on our stated ambition to be industry leading in aquaculture with regards to biological production of salmon.”
Williksen was appointed to the CEO position in 2016. He will now take up a role with SalMar’s owner Kverva, working on strategic development of parts of the investment company’s portfolio. He will remain at the SalMar board's disposal through his six-month resignation period.
"SalMar has completed a period of record results, and we have delivered a considerable amount of value creation to the company's shareholders. I have had a fantastic time in the company,” said Williksen.
“The task of heading SalMar is exciting but is also demanding. Those who know me are aware that I have experienced a strenuous period over the past years, and I now want to focus more on myself for a period of time. I am confident that in Olav-Andreas Ervik, SalMar has a CEO who is able to build on the company's foundation."
