ScaleAQ appoints new head of operations in Chile

Aquaculture industry supplier ScaleAQ has appointed Cristian Sauterel as CEO of its Chilean business, the company announced yesterday.

Sauterel joins the company after 12 years at Australis Seafoods, where he most recently served as head of production. He has also previously worked at Mowi. His academic background includes a degree in veterinary medicine, an MBA from a Chilean university and a master’s degree in management from a Spanish institution.

“We are delighted to welcome Cristian to ScaleAQ. He is a highly respected voice in Chilean aquaculture and brings an impressive background to the role,” said Ben Øksnes, interim CEO of ScaleAQ Chile, via a press release.

Øksnes added that the company had carried out an extensive search in Chile to identify a candidate capable of strengthening its position in the market. “Cristian has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of salmon farming,” he said.

During his time at Australis, Sauterel played a key role in improving operational performance, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, the company noted.

“I am truly excited to join ScaleAQ Chile. There are tremendous opportunities to further develop the industry, and I am proud to become part of the ScaleAQ Group, whose owners are deeply committed to salmon farming,” Sauterel said.

“The Chilean farmers should choose among the best tools. Christian will help us identify both todays and future challenges and solutions. Together, we will find the best approach, grounded in biology. Cristian is an ideal fit, given his background,” added ScaleAQ Group CEO Audun Sivertsen.

In early June 2025, ScaleAQ confirmed it was in the process of acquiring Probotic AS, a Norwegian startup that offers solutions for the autonomous inspection and cleaning of aquaculture pens.

Meanwhile, ScaleAQ group company Moen Marin announced a reshuffle of its senior executives, including the appointment of Lars Ivar Elvertrø as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

ScaleAQ appointed former head of head of ScaleAQ Seabased Audun Sivertsen as its new group CEO in August 2024.