Ode founder and CEO Ola Kvalheim (left) and the cod farming company's newly appointed Commercial Director Anders Tofte Wilhelmsen (right).
Photo: Ode.
Norwegian cod farmer Ode announced the appointment of Anders Tofte Wilhelmsen as its new Commercial Director. The company said its new hire joins as it prepares for significant international expansion, strengthened market presence, and a sharpened focus on value creation through product and market development.
With production expected to exceed 11,000 tons by 2025 and revenues approaching USD 100 million, Ode is the world's leading producer of farmed Atlantic cod, rapidly expanding its operations.
Moreover, in Ode's case, the goal of accelerating the company's global growth goes hand in hand with its mission to accelerate farmed cod into a globally recognized, high-value whitefish category.
As Ola Kvalheim, CEO and founder of Ode, explained to WeAreAquaculture in a previous interview, with every step taken by companies currently involved in cod farming in Norway, they are building an entire culture around farmed cod. Wilhelmsen's appointment represents a strategic leap in that direction.
"This is about building more than a product – it's about building a category," Kvalheim said now. "Anders brings the experience, mindset, and ambition needed to help us shape the future of cod consumption."
With extensive work experience in various leadership roles within marketing and sustainability, Anders Tofte Wilhelmsen has focused his career on international brand building, product innovation, and strategic market development, particularly in the seafood and consumer goods industries.
His most recent position before joining Ode was Head of Sustainability and Marketing at the international salmon processing company Milarex. Before that, he was Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for salmon producer Cermaq. He has also held key positions in the fast-moving consumer goods sector at well-known companies such as The Kraft Heinz Company and Mondelēz International.
Now, as its new Commercial Director, he will be responsible for driving Ode's commercial strategy by developing market penetration, opening new markets, and building the organization and distribution platform necessary to scale sales. According to the company's release, this includes strengthening downstream capabilities such as pre-rigor fillets and value-added processing, as well as refining branding, packaging, and product–market fit.
"As we enter a new phase of growth, Anders will lead our efforts to develop differentiated products and markets, strengthen customer partnerships, and build a strong commercial platform that supports long-term and sustainable expansion," Ola Kvalheim explained, commenting on Wilhelmsen's appointment.
Through this approach, Ode aims to move beyond raw material supply and become a trusted partner – offering high-quality, traceable cod year-round. As its CEO and founder mentioned above, the goal is to create more than just a product—a whole new category.