Audun Fjeldvær is ScaleAQ new CEO.
Photo: ScaleAQ.
ScaleAQ, one of the world's largest providers of technology, advanced solutions, and systems for the aquaculture industry, has a new leader. The company announced today the appointment of Audun Sivertsen Fjeldvær as its new CEO.
Based in Trondheim, Norway, ScaleAQ recently reported solid growth with a total turnover of NOK 3.4 billion (EUR 287.9 million / USD 316.6 million) in 2023. Now, it sees opportunities to double and even triple its business.
From now on, Fjeldvær, who has been promoted internally - until now he was head of ScaleAQ Seabased - will lead this rapidly growing and advancing group with 900 employees in 33 locations in eight countries. The new CEO will start work in his new role on Monday, August 19.
Until reaching his new position as CEO, Audun Fjeldvær has held various leadership positions in what is now ScaleAQ since 2013, working in sales, product strategy, and technology development. As said, since April 2023, he has been leading the group's largest division, ScaleAQ Seabased. In addition, he also has first-hand experience in salmon farming, as a shift leader for many years at SalMar marine facilities.
"With Audun in the CEO position, ScaleAQ has gained a leader with extensive experience and knowledge of the industry," said ScaleAQ's Chairman of the Board, Torgeir Svae, commenting on the appointment. "Over the years, he has shown that he understands what customers need and the opportunities and challenges the industry faces, especially in fish welfare and sustainability."
"As a member of the executive management team, he has played a central role in establishing and developing the group’s ambitious goals and strategies, which he will now play an even more central role in executing," he continued.
For his part, the new CEO claimed he is excited to take on the role. "ScaleAQ is an important partner for our customers. We develop technology and deliver products and solutions that are critical for profitable and sustainable salmon farming. We will strengthen our good collaboration with customers while ensuring that all the positive aspects of ScaleAQ’s culture are carried forward. When our customers succeed, we succeed as well," Audun Fjeldvær said about his goals as head of the company.
Sigurd Flaat Liljefjell, will replace Audun Fjeldvær as head of ScaleAQ Seabased.
As mentioned above, Fjeldvær will formally assume the position on Monday, August 19, and simultaneously, his close colleague, Sigurd Flaat Liljefjell, will replace him as head of ScaleAQ Seabased. Liljefjell, who has been with ScaleAQ since 2018, is well-versed in both the company's culture and the entire process from customer to delivery and has been a key part of the management team as the division's CFO since 2023.
"Liljefjell has shown great commitment and initiative and, together with the Seabased management team, has significantly contributed to ScaleAQ achieving the results we see today. Together, we will bring the entire group even closer to the industry. We will continue to focus on strong customer relations, good operations, and work patiently and purposefully with our customers on tomorrow's solutions," Fjeldvær explained about his colleague's new role.
"The fact that we have leaders like Sigurd, who are ready to step up and take on new roles, says a lot about our qualities as an organization. As we succeed and grow, more and more employees will have exciting career opportunities with us. Naturally, I know ScaleAQ Seabased best, but I have seen the same in other parts of the group and look forward to getting to know everyone better," the new CEO added.
Finally, the company reported that CFO Svein Vestermo, who has also been acting CEO since last November, will now continue as planned as Group CFO and a member of ScaleAQ's executive management.