His official start date was June 1.
Foto: John-Christian Andreassen
The Norwegian seafood export company, Polar Quality, has hired Erlend Fransplass for a sales and logistics role, where he will support the sale and distribution of salmon to restaurants, retailers, and buyers worldwide.
Having previously worked in restaurant management as Director of OHMA, a sushi and contemporary Japanese restaurant in Bodø, Fransplass is now transitioning into the seafood export sector.
Regarding his appointment, he said: "I believe I have a solid understanding of seafood products and what makes a great salmon meal, but the volumes and figures I will be working with now are somewhat larger than those I dealt with previously."
Additionally, Acting Managing Director of Polar Quality, Rune Johansen, stated: "Erlend brings experience from an industry where quality and speed are essential every day. We have recruited a capable, proactive, and self-motivated individual, and we are delighted to welcome him to our team."
In March, Johansen, Gigante Salmon's head of investor relations, was appointed acting CEO of the export company, which is also part of the Salten Aqua group, for which Johansen is also Chief Financial Officer.
Polar Quality’s core business is the marketing and export of fresh and frozen Norwegian salmon to international markets, particularly in Europe, Asia and the United States. Founded in 2022, the company works with suppliers involved across the entire value chain, from hatcheries and smolt production to fish farming and harvesting for consumption.
Moreover, Polar Quality handles export activities for the Salten Aqua group, which is involved in salmon farming in northern Norway, and is itself partly owned by Gigante Havbruk, which controls a 35% stake in the business. Gigante Havbruk is the majority owner of Gigante Salmon, with a 51% stake.
