BioMar announced today the appointment of Andrew Campbell, an AKVA executive, as CEO of the world's leading aquafeed technology company AQ1. Campbell will take up his new position as of January 1, 2023. Company founder and former Managing Director Ross Dodd will remain in an executive role, "contributing to the company's future growth".
In April this year, BioMar announced the acquisition of AQ1 Systems, a supplier of sensor-based feeding control technology for their just renovated shrimp performance. At the time, the Danish feed company announced this investment as the first step into feeding technology, with its aim to move towards becoming a true solutions provider.
Now, after what the company describes as "a period of extensive growth as the world-leading provider of intelligent feeding control systems for shrimp aquaculture", BioMar announces that Ross Dodd has decided to hand over the position of managing director of AQ1 to Andrew Campbell, an experienced technology leader who has been leading AKVA Group's international operations in the Americas, Austrasia, the Mediterranean, and the UK for the past 20 years.
"We are extremely happy that Andrew Campbell has decided to join us to build the future of AQ1", explained Carlos Diaz, CEO of BioMar Group. "Sustainable aquaculture will be driven by low-impact feed solutions and intelligent feeding technology, enabling efficient farm management", he continued. "We believe there is huge potential for growth at the intersection between feed and technology, and Andrew brings vast experience to the table".
As of January 1, Andrew Campbell will therefore be tasked with leading an ambitious strategy to move beyond food supply, although he will not be alone. Campbell and company founder and outgoing CEO, Ross Dodd, previously worked together at AKVA Group and, according to BioMar, will do so again over the coming months, working together on a transition plan.
"I strongly believe that together we can build on the magic of AQ1, accelerate global growth, and leverage the possibilities for using feeding technologies within the world of shrimp", commented Andrew Campbell. "AQ1 is a business with huge potential for leading the technological transformation within shrimp farming, and I am proud that BioMar and Ross have trusted me with this challenge".
The CEO of BioMar Group also wanted to highlight the work of the previous Managing Director. "Ross Dodd's contribution to building and guiding AQ1 into a leading position in the shrimp markets has been instrumental, and we welcome his continued involvement in the company. What he has done towards efficient aquaculture is outstanding. The algorithms and the acoustic systems are now at a level where we can truly talk about intelligent feeding. Moving into the next phase of technology solutions will open doors to a new generation of sustainable aquaculture", concluded Carlos Diaz.