Sondre Høidalen, new CEO of Paras Aqua.
Photo: Paras Aqua
Paras Aqua has appointed the experienced land-based aquaculture executive Sondre Høidalen as its new Chief Executive Officer, the Finnish aquaculture technology firm has announced.
A former CEO of some major names in land-based aquaculture technology - VAQ, Billund Aquaculture Norway, and Krüger Kaldnes AS - Høidalen has led the development and construction of several large-scale and technically demanding recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), particularly in Norway, the company said in its announcement.
Founded by Tapio Kiuru in 2023 and based in Jyväskylä, Paras Aqua provides modular and scalable land-based aquaculture technology through its Hybrid Flow-through System (HFS), combining elements of flow-through systems and RAS. Its "Precision HFS" technology was formally launched in Finland in March 2025 and internationally at the Aqua Nor exhibition in Trondheim, Norway, in August 2025.
“Paras Aqua’s approach includes many of the elements I have been looking for in this industry for a long time. Modularity and a high degree of prefabrication bring significant efficiency and predictability to projects,” said Høidalen.
The company said the appointment comes at "an important phase for us," and with the new CEO onboard it will focus on "strengthening our position in international markets and continuing to execute our strategy toward sustainable and efficient aquaculture". Paras Aqua said its system uses only slightly more water than full RAS, while offering a simpler and often more affordable option than RAS with biological water treatment.
“Paras Aqua has a unique opportunity to significantly advance the industry. By combining simpler technology with industrialized manufacturing, we can scale production in a way that has not been possible before,” Høidalen said.
Kalle Sinisalo, who previously served as CEO of Paras Aqua, will continue with the company as Chief Operating Officer.