Before joining Kaldvík, Roy Tore Rikardsen was General Manager at Salten N950 and COO of Grieg Seafood.
Photo: Salten Aqua.
Just one day after reporting its Q2 2024 results, Kaldvík - former Ice Fish Farm, recently renamed - announced that its new CEO was already in office. The arrival of Roy Tore Rikardsen on Sunday, September 1, also meant that his predecessor, Guðmundur Gíslason, transitioned into the role of Sales Director within the company.
"We are very grateful to Guðmundur for his invaluable contributions to the Company's development since its inception. We would not be where we are today if it was not for Guðmundur," said Asle Rønning, chairperson of Kaldvík, commenting on the succession.
When in September last year, Ice Fish Farm announced that Gíslason had submitted to the Board of Directors his resignation as CEO, it was already reported that his decision to step down was intended to allow him to devote his efforts to developing the sales strategy of the company, of which he has been a part since 2012.
"Being CEO of Ice Fish has been an incredible journey together with great colleagues in high growth rate and the establishment of a new and sustainable industry in Iceland over the past 12 years. I very much look forward to continuing to work for and support the Company going forward by continuing to develop markets for Ice Fish Farm," Gíslason then stated.
Now, in the announcement on the transition in the CEO position, Kaldvík has said that, as Sales Director, Guðmundur Gíslason will focus on developing the salmon farmer's sales strategy and contribute "to its continued growth and success."
In the same release, the Board of Directors also stated it looks forward to working closely with Roy Tore Rikardsen to continue strengthening the Icelandic salmon farmer's market position.
Previously, when the still Ice Fish Farm announced his appointment last February, the chair, Asle Rønning, said Rikardsen had extensive experience from all parts of the value chain and would contribute to further developing the company's team on operations.
"Ice Fish Farm is part of a sustainable industry producing healthy food for a growing global population. I am looking forward to being a part of the dedicated ICE team. Together we will strive to further develop the company and give our contribute to new competitive jobs in Iceland as well as development of local societies where we have our operations," new Kaldvík’s CEO stated at that moment.
Familiar with cold water salmon farming operations in northern Norway and Canada, before joining Kaldvík, Rikardsen worked as COO of Grieg Seafood North America and was General Manager at Salten N950 (Salten Aqua). In his new position, he will be based on the east coast of Iceland.
