Nordic Aquafarms has appointed Brenda Chandler as its interim CEO. She has served as Chief Financial Officer for the past three and a half years. This comes after Erik Heim and Marianne Naess, founder and executive vice president respectively, left the company. According to the company, she will split her time between Humboldt, California, and the Nordic corporate office in Portland, Maine.
Firstly, she joined Nordic Aquafarms as Chief Financial Officer in March 2019 after a broad and successful career in the technology and paper sectors. Likewise, she has progressive experience in treasury, risk management, finance, accounting, and real estate. Also, Chandler holds Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degrees from the University of Maine at Augusta.
As a result, the CEO and Chairman of the Board for Nordic Aquafarms Group AS, Bernt Olav Rottingsnes expressed their excitement about this announcement. "She is a proven leader who has served as key counsel in our permitting and project planning efforts to date. Her knowledge and understanding of developing bi-coastal sustainable land-based aquaculture in Maine and California are unmatched. She is exactly what we need at this time as we move towards project completion" he noted.
On the other hand, Chandler said: "I am honored to have been chosen to lead the company. I look forward to working alongside the good people in Belfast and Humboldt to develop projects their communities can be proud of."
Finally, Rottingsnes will continue to serve as Chairman of Nordic Aquafarms Inc., while the remainder of the company leadership and staff in California and Maine remain unchanged.
In 2021, Nordic Aquafarms, Inc. got all permits for their Belfast, Maine project. State, Local, and Federal agencies allowed them to continue the development of the 56-acre site. Now, a similar project is underway in Samoa, California where the company is currently pursuing permits.
On Monday, Erik Heim confirmed in his LinkedIn profile that Marianne Naess and himself exited Nordic Aquafarms. Heim wished all the US staff with whom he worked during the last years "all the best with the journey going forward".
"I am confident that we are only in early beginnings as far as the potential for aquaculture in the US. But there are also challenges to address and much work left to make that a reality. Therefore, my commitment to furthering food security and industry enablement in the US will continue," he continued.