Benchmark Genetics appoints shrimp industry expert Kenneth Tay as senior advisor

Leading aquaculture genetics firm Benchmark Genetics has announced it has appointed shrimp industry specialist Kenneth Tay as its new Senior Advisor for Business and Strategy Development, with a focus on the company’s growing shrimp genetics operations worldwide.

The company said Tay will help drive its strategic development in shrimp genetics and support its efforts to expand across Asia and other regions.

Tay brings more than 18 years of experience in shrimp broodstock marketing and business development, having co-founded Shrimp Improvement Systems (SIS) Singapore in 2004, and later served as Director of Shrimp Improvement Systems Group until 2023. SIS is a leading supplier of Specific Pathogen Free Penaeus vannamei shrimp broodstock, with facilities in Florida and Hawaii.

During his tenure, Tay helped establish SIS’s Broodstock Multiplication Centre in Singapore and led its expansion into several Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Korea.

In a press release confirming the appointment, Tay was quoted as saying, “The shrimp industry is moving towards higher efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the face of environmental and disease challenges. Farmers increasingly seek genetics that perform well in diverse and changing conditions. Benchmark Genetics is well positioned to play a pivotal role by providing high-quality, well-adapted shrimp genetics that improve productivity, survival, and profitability, while helping the industry adapt to local and global changes.”

“My passion has always been to work with companies that drive innovation in shrimp genetics," he added, saying that joining the aquaculture genetics firm "offers me the opportunity to explore new markets and develop tailored solutions for hatcheries and farmers, creating real value for local industries. I look forward to contributing to the company’s efforts to deliver localised solutions that enhance economies of scale and profitability for farmers and business owners.”

Benchmark said the appointment reinforces its strategic capabilities in shrimp genetics, building on its established reputation in salmon genetics.

"Over the last six years, Benchmark has established a strong network of hatchery and farmer customers across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, building credibility and reach that will further support the growth of the shrimp business," the company stated.

Benchmark Genetics recently announced the appointment of its new CEO, Kristian Botnen, effective from 3 November 2025. The aquaculture genetics firm became an independent company as part of Novo Holdings investment portfolio at the end of March 2025, and has since made a series of senior hires, including appointing Dr. Ross Houston as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Jon Crowther as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).