Daníel Jakobsson (first from left) will succeed Stein Ove Tveiten (in the center). Both are pictured here signing an agreement with Frost for the design and delivery of a cooling system for Arctic Fish's salmon slaughterhouse in Bolungarvík.
Photo: Arctic Fish.
Iceland's salmon farmer Arctic Fish announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Daníel Jakobsson as the company's new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2025.
Jakobsson takes over from Stein Ove Tveiten, who announced his resignation last November after seven years at the helm of the salmon company. The still-CEO will continue as an advisor until June 1, 2025, to ensure a "smooth and seamless" transition.
When we learned of Tveiten's resignation, Arctic Fish's Board of Directors said that at that time, it was beginning the process of hiring a new CEO. The Board has finally found a replacement within the company itself, as Daníel Jakobsson joined in 2021 as Chief Business Development Officer.
In the stock exchange release issued to notify of the appointment, the Icelandic salmon farmer said of its new CEO that he brings deep insight into the company's operations and strategic direction, along with the leadership qualities and industry expertise needed to guide Arctic Fish into its next phase of growth and success.
"We are very pleased to announce Daníel's appointment," stated Øyvind Oaland, Chairman of the Board. "Icelandic salmon farming is still in an early phase, and our continued success depends on operational excellence rooted in strong animal welfare, environmental responsibility, sound financials, and the safety and wellbeing of our dedicated employees. Daníel has extensive knowledge of all aspects of our business and will be based in Ísafjörður," he added.
"Arctic Fish is part of a sustainable industry, producing healthy food for a growing global population," Daníel Jakobsson said for his part, commenting on his appointment. "I'm excited to continue the journey we have started and to further develop a competitive, future-oriented operation," he concluded.
Precisely, the future of aquaculture companies that, as Arctic Fish, are owned by non-Icelandic capital - in its case, by the Norwegian salmon giant Mowi - is now in the spotlight in the island country.
Based on the idea that the nation's resources should be under domestic control, the Progressive Party called on the Icelandic Parliament to limit ownership of aquaculture companies by foreign entities to 25%. Iceland's Minister of Industry is due to submit the bill later this year, as the request urges her to do so "as soon as possible and no later than January 1, 2026."