New CEO speaks of growth plans
OLAV-Andreas Ervik, SalMar’s new CEO, has spoken of his excitement at taking over the reins one of the world’s leading salmon farming companies. He was appointed last month after Trond Williksen unexpectedly announced his resigna- tion as chief executive.
The move followed the Chinese arrest of a Norwegian citizen, once linked to SalMar, over allegations of salmon smuggling, although the two episodes have not been directly linked.
The authorities in Beijing believe that Vietnam is becoming a major conduit for smuggling of several commodities, of which salmon is one of the largest and thought to be worth tens of millions of US dollars.
Williksen has been CEO since late 2016, during which time he has overseen considerable growth in sales and profits. SalMar enjoyed its best ever year in 2017. A statement said the board regretted his decision to be released but added that he will be available to the company for the next six months, the period of his notice.