The Icelandic Group announced today it was appointing Magnús Bjarnason as its new CEO, replacing the departing Lárus Ásgeirsson, who has held the position since 2011.
"I am very excited to be a part of Icelandic Group,” Bjarnason said. “The organization is based on a solid foundation of quality infrastructure, has a recognizable international brand, and is supported by an exceptional team of dedicated professionals.”
Bjarnason worked from 1997-2005 for the Icelandic Foreign Service as trade commissioner for North America, consul general in New York and deputy chief of mission in China. He has also served as executive vice president of the international division at Glitnir bank, and as CEO of Glacier Securities, a New York-based advisory firm that caters to the seafood and renewable energy industries.
Prior to becoming CEO at the Icelandic Group, Bjarnason was a member of the executive committee and the Managing Director responsible for Marketing and Business Development at Iceland’s National Power Company Landsvirkjun, a position he held since 2010. Icelandic Group’s statement notes he initiated a strategy to expand and diversify the power company’s product portfolio.
"We are very pleased to welcome Magnus into Icelandic Group, as his valuable knowledge of the Icelandic and foreign fisheries sectors and extensive experience in international marketing will strengthen our already outstanding team,” said Herdís Fjeldsted, Chairman of Icelandic Group’s board of directors.
Bjarnason has served on the board of Icelandic Group since March of this year. He has a bachelor of science degree in business and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Icelandic Group has worked in global fisheries for nearly 70 years, producing and selling fresh and frozen seafood products worldwide to retail and catering and restaurant markets.
