Cermaq appoints new COO to oversee fish health and feed

NORWAY – Salmon farming company Cermaq has appointed Snorre Jonassen as Chief Operating Officer (COO) as part of a global management restructuring following the integration of operations from Grieg Seafood in Finnmark and Canada.

The new COO position will focus on strengthening operational coordination across Cermaq’s regions and supporting the execution of the group’s strategy. 

Jonassen will also oversee fish health and welfare, fish feed, and communication.

Jonassen previously served as Integration Director at Cermaq Group and has held senior management positions in Cermaq Norway. 

In his new role, he will facilitate the sharing of operational best practices across regions and support operating companies in implementing group priorities.

Cermaq has also appointed Silvia Segnini as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Segnini joined the company in 2007 and has worked across treasury, tax, accounting, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, and post-merger integration.

“Silvia knows this company inside and out, and she has played a significant role in building the finance function we have today,” said CEO Steven Rafferty.

Integration remains a key focus, particularly in Canada, where Grant Cumming will lead the process as Canada Integration Director.

Cermaq is also bringing technology innovation across land-based and seawater farming, sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence into one team.

Dr Bendik Fyhn Terjesen has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the team.

“The purpose is to drive technology development as a growth enabler across all operational areas,” Rafferty said.

Terjesen will continue reporting directly to the CEO and will not be part of Cermaq’s Global Management Team.

“These changes will strengthen the Group office as a resource centre for the operating companies and make the Global Management Team more effective in pursuing our growth targets and strategy objectives,” Rafferty said.

Cermaq said the changes are intended to improve alignment, coordination and innovation across its global operations.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.