Norwegian krill player appoints new chief

By Shane Starling

- Last updated on GMT

“Aker BioMarine has appointed a talented leader with a vision of how to take the company into the future.”
“Aker BioMarine has appointed a talented leader with a vision of how to take the company into the future.”

Related tags Aker biomarine Docosahexaenoic acid Eicosapentaenoic acid

Matts Johansen has been appointed CEO of krill major Aker BioMarine with a mandate to “to continue to develop one of Norway's most exciting biotechnology companies into a solid and predictable company”.

One analyst suggested the move was in part provoked by the firm’s frustration over the length of time it was taking to achieve profitability for its krill business, with high costs and slower than expected demand playing a part.

38-year-old Johansen has been with Aker for five years and was the former chief operating officer and he replaces Hallvard Muri who is stepping down after seven years at the helm. Muri joined Aker in 2002 will retain a seat on the board.

“I'm extremely grateful for the work Hallvard has done for Aker BioMarine and I'm happy that he will continue to be a part of Aker going forward,”​ said Aker chair Kjell Inge Røkke.

"Under Hallvard's leadership, the company has become a global market leader in the krill-based ingredients sector. With a near 40% annual revenue growth, Aker BioMarine is now a well-run company that has moved past its challenging financial situation."

HallvardMuri&HenriHarland-krill
Muri (r) with former Neptune Technologies & Bioressources chief Henri Harland. Leadership has now changed hands recently at the world's two biggest krill players.

Aker BioMarine has appointed a talented leader with a vision of how to take the company into the future.”

Aker BioMarine sells versions of omega-3 rich krill oil derived from its own Antarctic fishing operations into the human nutrition and animal feed sectors.

Omega-3 forms eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have won EU health claims around brain, heart and eye health.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Krill oil supports six key areas of healthy aging

Content provided by Aker BioMarine | 23-Feb-2024 | White Paper

The global population is getting older—according to WHO by 2050 the world’s population over 60 years will double and the population above 80 years will...

Nootropics Report 2.0: Brain Health Insights

Nootropics Report 2.0: Brain Health Insights

Content provided by dsm-firmenich | 20-Feb-2024 | Insight Guide

The brain health market is constantly growing and evolving, with more consumers looking for innovative ways to support total mind and body wellness.

Sweetening solution for active nutrition

Sweetening solution for active nutrition

Content provided by ADM | 19-Feb-2024 | Case Study

When you add GrainSweet® Liquid Maltodextrin to your active nutrition applications, you get the production efficiencies, clean labels, and clean tastes...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars