Akvaplan-niva announces CEO resignation

Akvaplan-niva, the non-profit research and consulting subsidiary of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), has announced that its Chief Executive Officer is stepping down. According to the company's release, Merete Nygaard Kristiansen leaves her position as CEO by agreement with the Board.

In its release on the resignation, Akvaplan-niva—whose areas of expertise include the physical environment, biological diversity, and ecological processes in ocean and freshwater—stated that the underlying reason for the decision is the shared desire to facilitate the next phase of the company's development, adding that the parties agree that now is the right time.

"The institute sector is in the midst of, and likely facing, significant restructuring in the years ahead. The Board of the parent company NIVA wants to see closer collaboration between NIVA and its subsidiary Akvaplan-niva going forward, with the aim of realizing economies of scale and synergies," Pål Molander, Akvaplan-niva Chairman, explained.

Molander went on to say that Nygaard Kristiansen has done an excellent job as CEO of Akvaplan-niva, as well as making a significant contribution to the company's positive development over several years. "We would like to thank her for this important effort and wish her all the best going forward," he added.

For her part, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer stated that it has been a privilege for her to lead Akvaplan-niva since 2020 and help shape the company's development.

"It has been a period marked by professionalization and growth, and not least, it has been exciting to bring the company's new research station, FISK, at Kraknes, safely through the planning, construction, and operational phases," she said, taking stock of what has been achieved under her helm.

"I believe the company now has a solid foundation and is well positioned for further development," Merete Nygaard Kristiansen added. The now former CEO of Akvaplan-niva closed her assessment by extending her gratitude "to all the talented employees in the company for their collaboration" and wishing them all the best going forward.

Among the latest projects carried out under her mandate are advances in fish sex classification for sustainable cod farming, or the monitoring of the Norwegian crustacean Calanus finmarchicus, with the objective of turning this species into a sustainable source of fish feed.

Moreover, in its aim to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge, the ocean research and consultancy firm recently brought to the table the discussion on what regulatory and industry changes are needed to adopt a more sustainable aquaculture management system in Norway.

According to the release, current Deputy CEO Anton Giæver will oversee the company's day-to-day management until the Board of Akvaplan-niva appoints a new CEO. Whoever succeeds Nygaard Kristiansen will face the task of contributing to the NIVA Board's stated desire to strengthen collaboration with its subsidiary to achieve economies of scale and synergies.