Stokmarknes, Norway-based Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout farming firm Nordlaks will be shifting its management into new roles in the new year.
Longtime CEO Inge Berg will move into the position of director of strategy, concepts, and project development, while current Managing Director of Nordlaks Smolt AS Eirik Welde will become CEO of the company.
Berg, who had led the company since its creation in 1989, said in a press release he is switching positions in order to focus on long-term strategic development as the company moves into a period of rapid development. He said a primary part of his new workload will entail ensuring the company’s newly launched projects, including ship-based “Havfarm” salmon smolt farms, are seen through to completion.
"Inge Berg has repeatedly shown himself as a foreseeable strategist who successfully introduces new technology and new solutions to the aquaculture industry,” Nordlaks Board Chairman Kjell Bjordal said. “The board is pleased that we have internal management resources that can now take care of the core business so that Inge can concentrate on investment projects and strategic development of the company.”
According to Bjordal, Nordlaks will make between NOK 4 billion and 5 billion (USD 472 million and 590 million, EUR 414 million and 518 million) worth of investments into its operations over the next few years. Those investments include two Havfarms, a new recirculating aquaculture system facility for smolt, a new wellboat, and an expansion of its processing plant in Børøya, Norway.
“It is crucial to us that core business continues to be optimized while at the same time we fully focus on managing all development projects in the best possible way, " Bjordal said.
Berg said his new role will allow him to steer the company toward a progressive future.
"My driving force has always been to create lasting values here in Northern Norway. I am proud that we have managed to develop Nordlaks into a strong company with attractive jobs,” he said. “If we are to achieve sustainable growth in the Norwegian aquaculture industry, we require full focus on both operations and development, and we are able to think about the challenges the industry has today. After many years in the headquarters, I look forward to spending all my time on such projects and having a stronger focus on future and development than possible with today's organization. I am confident that Eirik will lead Nordlaks in the best possible way.”
Photo courtesy of Nordlaks
