Norwegian salmon-based meal, peptides, and oil producer Biomega Group has appointed Sten Estrup as its new CEO, effective 1 October, 2019.
Estrup comes to Biomega most recently from Chr. Hansen – a bioscience company that develops natural solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries – where he served as the executive vice president of the firm’s Asia Pacific and Latin America. With over 25 years of experience across the food and health sectors, Estrup has held leadership roles in operations, sales, marketing, and commercial development over the course of his career so far.
“I am honoured to join Biomega and work with the team, partners, customers and the owner AMERRA to release the true potential of Biomega’s leading technology for human grade ingredients. The world of food production and agriculture is waiting for Biomega’s technology and expertise to help improve productivity and produce more with less”, said Estrup in a 2 May press release announcing his hire. “Biomega is well positioned to leverage the emerging demand for natural science-backed bioactive peptides to the nutraceutical and functional food industry."
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Sten’s calibre and international experience to lead Biomega," Thor Talseth, chairman of Biomega Group and head of private equity with AMERRA Capital – which the major shareholder of Biomega – said. "Biomega is at a transformational moment and Sten’s leadership will ensure successful implementation of our strategy, capture the international market opportunities and significantly scale Biomega. Sten is customer focused and has a proven track record of building businesses and executing growth market strategies."
Estrup will take over for Jørgen Horntvedt, Biomega’s former CEO, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities, the company said. Thomas Samdal, the CFO of Biomega Group, has taken on the role as interim CEO until Estrup comes on board in the fall.
“I am grateful for the dedication Jorgen has shown in Biomega. I am also glad that Thomas has accepted the position as interim CEO, a role I know he will execute very well,” Talseth said.
Founded in 2001, Biomega uses its modern food grade biorefinery in Norway to produce hydrolyzed salmon proteins (salmon peptides), salmon meal, and salmon oil.