Thor Arne Hangstad, new Ode Head of Juveniles, to supervise cod production through all stages

The Norwegian-based company, Ode, has welcomed Thor Arne Hangstad, as its new Head of Juveniles. He will supervise the production of cod through all stages before it is put to sea at Ode's hatchery in Stadsbygd to further growth at Tjeldbergodden where the fish are kept for growth.

Hangstad studied at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science and worked for a company that conducted poll production of halibut and then shifted production to cod, according to a statement posted on the company's LinkedIn profile.

Then, he worked as a manager at a growth facility until 2010. The facility was sold to Akvaplan-Niva and converted into a marine research station. Consequently, he conducted research in aquaculture, ecology, and ecotoxicology. Finally, he moved to Ode's partner Lumarine.

Regarding this last career move, Hangstad explained: "Through some great years at Lumarine, I have gotten to know and worked well with the team at Ode. Together, we will work to produce the best possible cod, from roe to sea-ready fish, which will provide a product that ends up on dinner tables at home and abroad."

On the other hand, CEO Ola Kvalheim indicated: "We are extremely pleased to have Thor Arne join the Ode team. He will undoubtedly be a key person in further developing our value chain with a focus on juveniles. With his long experience in the industry and knowledge of cod fry production, I am convinced that Thor Arne is the right man for the job".

Finally, he thanked Finn-Christian Skjennum after his retirement and who has held the position of Head of Juveniles from the start: "Finn-Christian is a doyen in the cod field and has been crucial in the development of fry production at Ode."

Hangstad is a committed defender of cod farming: "The world will need more food, and cod farming is an efficient way to provide this. When it is also healthy and good food, there is nothing to think about."

About Ode

Ode is a fully integrated Norwegian seafood company that offers customers healthy and sustainable farmed cod. It tries to innovate the whitefish category by offering a 52-week supply of sashimi-grade cod to customers worldwide, with shelf-life and product flexibility.

During the Seafood Expo Global 2023 in Barcelona, WeAreAquaculture had the opportunity to sit down and chat with CEO Ola Kvalheim.