New CEO for Regal Springs, as Alois Hofbauer steps down

Tilapia farming company Regal Springs has announced that its CEO of five and half years, Alois Hofbauer, is stepping down from his role.

"Since joining Regal Springs in December 2019, Alois has led the company through some of its most challenging and transformative periods. He drove a comprehensive restructuring of the business, significantly reduced complexity, and built a strong and capable leadership team. He also firmly embedded a culture of accountability, compliance, and discipline that now underpins global operations," Regal Springs said in a press release announcing the leadership change.

"His tenure saw him lead the company through the global pandemic, biomass issues in Honduras and Mexico. Throughout these challenges he ensured that Regal Springs remained recognised as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture and has solid foundations on which to grow," it stated.

Hofbauer is now moving on "to re-enage with his family business", the company said, but will continue as a Senior Advisor to the Board and new CEO to ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership.

"We are going to miss Alois! He has led Regal Springs with his head high, his manner professional at all times and his crew totally dedicated to his leadership. Over his tenure he re-set the business and has cemented strong foundations for further growth," Vernon Bradley, Regal Springs head of Marketing and Business Development, told WeAreAquaculture via email.

The company is now welcoming Graham Ellis as its new CEO, effective from 20 June 2025. Described by his new company as a "proven leader" with "a particular focus and track record in enhancing growth and profitability", Ellis has previously held several CEO roles, in addition to working with early-stage venture capital fund Praesidium Agri-FoodTech.

Over the past year, he has also served as an advisor to board of Golden Springs, the primary investor and majority shareholder in Regal Springs.

“Following the extensive restructuring lead by Alois over the past years, I see this as a moment where Regal Springs is uniquely positioned for growth, and I look forward to leading the company through that exciting opportunity," Ellis said in a statement.

"Within the global food supply chain, aquaculture is critical to provide sufficient high-quality protein for a growing population, and Regal’s leadership in sustainability means it is exactly the type of solution that we need to focus on," he added.