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].
– Bergen, Norway-based Benchmark Genetics appointed Thomas Samdal as its incoming chief financial officer.
“Benchmark Genetics plays a key role in the global aquaculture value chain, where genetics is the starting point for both sustainability and profitability,” Samdal said. “I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable food system. At the same time, it is very exciting to join the company at this stage, where we will continue to develop and scale the business.”
Samdal replaces former CFO Jon Crowther, who is retiring, according to a company release. Samdal previously held the CFO position at research institution NORCE, where he managed the company’s finances and reporting. The company said he brings 20 years of experience in finance roles to the new role.
“We are very pleased to welcome Thomas to the team,” Benchmark Genetics CEO Kristian Botnen said. “He brings a strong professional profile and broad experience from both commercial companies and research environments. This combination fits very well with Benchmark Genetics as we continue to build on our position as a global leader in aquaculture genetics. His ability to connect strategy with operational execution will be important for the company’s continued development.”
The move comes less than a year after the firm announced it planned to re-register as a private company following its sale to Novo Holdings’ subsidiary Starfish Bidco for an enterprise value of GBP 260 million (USD 350 million, EUR 309 million).
– Woking, England-based frozen food company Nomad Foods appointed a new president in Southern Europe and announced plans to hire an additional president in Central Europe.
Jon Fernandez de Barrena will begin as president of the firm’s operations in Southern Europe on 13 April, assuming responsibility for leading the company’s business in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Adriatics, according to a release by the company. Previously, he worked as the CEO of Alvinesa Natural Ingredients for three years.
Nomad Foods is also actively hiring a Central European president, who will oversee commercial operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Finalnd, Denmark, and Norway.
“These appointments represent an important step as we continue to strengthen our focus and unlock the full potential of our markets across Europe,” Nomad Foods CEO Dominic Brisby said in the release. “Both roles will help sharpen our commercial execution, enhance agility, and create greater alignment between our local teams, our brands, and our long-term strategic priorities. I am delighted to welcome Jon this month and look forward to completing the appointment of our president for Central Europe later this year. Each leader will bring valuable expertise to our Executive Team and play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth for Nomad Foods.”
Both presidents will lead a portfolio of brands including Findus, iglo, Ledo, and Frikom, the release said.
The announcements come soon after Nomad Foods appointed Simon Ball as president of the firm’s operations in the U.K. and Ireland, overseeing the Birds Eye, Aunt Bessie’s, and Goodfella’s brands.
– Samhut Sakhon, Thailand-based aquafeed manufacturer and distributor Thai Union Feedmill (TFM) has tapped Eduardo Arosemena as the president of its Ecuador operations, soon after it announced USD 55 million (EUR 46.7 million) to construct a shrimp feed mill in the country.
Arosemena previously worked as president at Pacific Aqua Solutions in Ecuador for just over two years. He was also the managing director at shrimp-farming company Kampi and worked in multiple director and managerial positions at Cargill.
He posted on LinkedIn that TFM’s presence in Ecuador “represents a major milestone for the industry and reinforces Ecuador’s strategic role as one of the leading players in the global shrimp market.”
“This is only the beginning of a journey that I am confident will be defined by strong relationships, shared growth, and a long-term vision across all industry stakeholders,” Arosemena said on LinkedIn.