Nova Sea hires former Secretary to Minister of Fisheries

Nova Sea announced the appointment of Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen as its new Director of Communications and Public Affairs. With a strong background in both the public and private sectors, his resume includes a position as State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries of Norway. Bjarmann-Simonsen will take up his new role on January 2, 2025.

"We are very pleased to have Daniel on board and look forward to strengthening our team further," said Tom Eirik Aasjord, CEO of Nova Sea, commenting on the appointment. "He will be a key resource for us in the time ahead, especially in our strategic work with communication and public affairs," he added.

When he takes up his new position, Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen will do so from his current job as Director of Society and Enterprise at the Municipality of Bodø. Previously, he was Regional Director of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) in Nordland and Director of the “New City - New Airport” Project in Bodø, in addition to the aforementioned as State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

According to Nova Sea release, as Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Bjarmann-Simonsen will be a key contact with government authorities. He will play a key role in the company's strategic work in internal and external communication, as well as in corporate policy advocacy.

"We work in an industry with many fantastic stories and examples of how important we are to Norway and district communities. At the same time, the industry faces challenges related to welfare and reputation that need to be addressed," Aasjord continued.

"Our regulatory framework will be heavily debated in the years to come, which is why we have sharpened our focus in this area. Daniel's extensive and valuable experience from both public administration and the business sector will be crucial in our dialogue with authorities and our position in the industry," Nova Sea's CEO concluded.

The coming Communications and Public Affairs Director at Nova Sea used his statement at the release announcing his appointment to show his appreciation to Bodø Municipality and his current colleagues and showed his excitement with his new position.

"I am excited to take on the role and contribute to what is a key focus area for the company," Bjarmann-Simonsen also said. "Nova Sea is a leader in making the industry more sustainable and building local communities along the coast. I really look forward to being a part of that."

Nova Sea, which last July reported its tax liability had quadrupled after the ground rent tax, has always been open to dialogue with the authorities. Thus, after restructuring the company to pay the correct tax for the various activities in the company - which led to the creation of the subsidiary Nova Sea Havbruk - it was the first company to bring investments back to Norway after the 'salmon tax'.

Since the tax came into force, the salmon company has already invested in the opening of a new smolt plant in Kilvika, a new salmon slaughterhouse in Lovund, and also in closed fish farming technology.