Finnforel names Mikko Karell as new chief executive

Finnforel has appointed Mikko Karell as its new CEO, with the appointment taking effect immediately.

The Finnish land-based rainbow trout farming company said Karell joins the business at a point when it is preparing to move from building its production base towards a stronger focus on sales, overseas markets and partnerships.

Founded in 2015, Finnforel has since built an integrated operation that includes a hatchery in Hatsina and a RAS production facility in Varkaus, Finland.

Karell has more than 25 years’ experience in international food and consumer businesses. According to Finnforel, his background includes leading growth companies, managing business transformations, building brands and launching new food concepts. He was most recently CEO of Finnish food service firm PNM Chipsters.

“At this stage, Finnforel needs a leader who simultaneously understands consumers, retail, international business, the food industry, and the building of growth companies. Mikko combines these capabilities in an exceptional way,” said Kalle Ruuskanen, chairman of Finnforel’s board, in a news release announcing the appointment.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his ability to generate growth, transform businesses, and create new commercial success stories in the field of sustainable food. We are confident that his expertise will strongly support Finnforel’s next phase of development.

“The past few years have been a period of building for the company. We have strengthened our biological expertise, stabilized our production, and laid the foundation for future growth. We are now moving into a phase where commercialization, international expansion, and strategic partnerships will play an increasingly important role,” Ruuskanen added.

Commenting on his appointment, Karell said Finnforel had the technology and expertise to make an impact beyond Finland.

“Finnforel is one of the most interesting companies in Europe’s sustainable food system. The company has unique technology, strong expertise, and an ambitious vision. I strongly believe that responsibly produced, high-quality animal protein will be one of the most important growth markets of the future. Finnforel is exceptionally well positioned to lead this development," he said.

“The next step is to build even stronger customer- and market-driven growth. We will focus on identifying the markets and customer segments where Finnforel’s offering delivers the greatest value. At the same time, we will lay the foundation for international expansion and for bringing Finnish recirculating aquaculture expertise to new markets,” Karell added.

Karell takes over from outgoing CEO Nora Hortling, who joined the firm in 2025 and is now commencing maternity leave.