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].
– Paisley, Scotland-based biotechnology research company WellFish Tech recently appointed Stein Johannessen as the company's technical lead for Norway, helping the company grow in the Norwegian market.
Johannessen previously worked for Benchmark Genetics for eight years in smolt health, data management, and technical documentation. He's also worked in commercial positions for MSD Animal Health and SalmoBreed.
“I’m excited to join the talented team at WellFish Tech," Johannessen said in a company release. "Better insights into fish health give us new opportunities to understand and prevent health challenges. I strongly believe in WellFish Tech’s approach of using fish physiology to provide farmers with better information for decision-making. This is an area with significant potential for the aquaculture industry."
The move comes as WellFish Tech is strengthening investments in Norway, working on data-driven fish health insights.
“Stein brings exactly the combination of expertise and experience we have been looking for. He has a strong understanding of fish biology, hands-on experience with smolt health and health data, and valuable insight into the commercial aquaculture sector," WellFish Tech CEO Charlie Granfelt said. "We have significant ambitions in Norway, and Stein joins us at an important stage in our development. His expertise will be invaluable as we strengthen relationships with existing customers and expand our reach to more fish farmers.”
– Ottawa, Canada-based seafood organization Canadian Seafood Farmers has announced its new executive committee.
The incoming chair of the board is Cooke Vice President of Public Relations Joel Richardson, according to a release by the organization.
“Our priority is clear: grow more Canadian seafood here at home in an environmentally responsible way,” Richardson said. “Our farmers and the Canadian businesses that support them are ready to invest more, create more jobs, and strengthen food security by making ... Canada seafood more available and affordable than imports.”
The vice-chair is Cermaq Canada Corporate Relations Director Jennifer Woodland. The board's incoming treasurer is independent aquaculture scientist and marine biologist Cyr Couturier, and the incoming secretary is Mowi Canada Director of Environmental Performance and Certification Mia Parker.
Board executive members at large include Cermaq Canada Regional Director of Cermaq Newfoundland Elizabeth Barlow, Atlantic Aqua Farms Vice President of Canadian Operations Steve Langley, Mac's Oysters Manager Gordon McLellan, Skretting North America Managing Director Trevor Stanley, and Taplow Feeds Manager of R&D Wendy Vandersteen.
“This executive brings together practical experience from seafood farming and the supply chain that makes it possible,” Canadian Seafood Farmers President and CEO Timothy Kennedy said. “Their leadership will help us advance the policy certainty and recognition our members need to grow. Together, we are focused on building a stronger Canadian food system and putting more healthy, nutritious Canadian seafood on Canadian plates.”
The executive committee will work with the board of directors on many initiatives such as securing science-based pathways for British Columbia salmon farming, working with seafood farmers to gain support alongside other Canadian farmers, and modernizing the federal management of shellfish for production and supply needs.
– Trine Sæther Romuld was recently promoted to CEO of Oslo, Norway-based First Seafood after previously serving as the firm's CFO since March of this year.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to lead this team forward,” Romuld said in a post on LinkedIn. “Together, we will improve profitability by continuing our work to become the best version of ourselves and building on the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the company.”
First Seafood Founder Andreas Sundnes is remaining in his role as chairman and chief commercial officer.
“Trine is one of the most capable leaders I have worked with,” Sundnes said. “The company has grown significantly, and she has the expertise and ability to deliver that we need to take us to the next level.”
