Aker BioMarine has recruited to its Animal Health and Nutrition Business Unit organizational chart two new leaders. Bjørn Wallentin will join the company as Senior Vice President of QRILL Aqua Sales. Besides, Aker BioMarine’s current Director of Sustainability, Ragnhild Dragøy, will take on a new role as Vice President of Product Management, a newly created department within Animal Health and Nutrition.

To strengthen the leadership team

Before, Wallentin was the Regional Vice President for the Americas region at Jotun. He has spent there 27 years in several different roles. Now, he will support and build the team’s sales and value creation within the QRILL Aqua existing and future product lines.

Regarding his new role, he said: “This is a great opportunity to be part of a sustainable and critical industry. In terms of our food future as well as health across species, Aker BioMarine has exciting opportunities in its sights. As we look towards new markets, new retail channels, and new ways of reaching customers.”

Moreover, Sigve Nordrum, EVP Animal Health & Nutrition at Aker BioMarine noted: “The benefits of QRILL Aqua as a functional ingredient go across species. We continue to uncover the health benefits of this tiny Antarctic crustacean. Our course is set for growth, and we aim to strengthen our leadership team and expand into new areas.”

Finally, he added: “With Bjørn’s strong sales background and Ragnhild’s understanding of sustainable product development for human and animal nutrition, we are well-positioned for our next chapter.”

On the other side, Ragnhild Dragøy, a long-time marine biotechnology executive, joined Aker BioMarine in 2021 as Director of Sustainability. Previously, she served as Research Director, Marine Biotechnology, for Nofima Norway. In her new role, she will help build up the company’s new unit, which will focus on the product lifecycle.

“We must also work to secure solid collaboration across the company, to optimally position our QRILL products in every segment. And, it’s especially important to integrate the important sustainability work into our QRILL product and messaging,” says Dragøy.

Earlier this month, Aker BioMarine reported higher revenues in first 2022 quarter.