Finnforel appoints new CEO to accelerate global growth

FINLAND –  Finnish sustainable aquaculture company Finnforel Oy has announced the appointment of Nora Hortling as its new CEO, marking a significant leadership change as the company enters an ambitious growth phase. 

Hortling, who also chairs the board of the brewery company Olvi plc, brings extensive experience in the retail and food service sectors.  

“I am looking forward to working together with Finnforel’s skilled team, customers, and partners,” Hortling said, expressing her enthusiasm for advancing the company’s innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture.  

Finnforel’s founder warmly welcomed Hortling, noting her appointment comes at a pivotal moment. 

“In 2024, we brought the world’s first full-scale Finnforel gigafactory to full production in Varkaus, Finland. Now, the entire Finnforel group is transitioning to the next growth phase. We are confident that Nora’s knowledge and energy will accelerate the fast international scale-up of our concept,” the founder remarked.  

Under Hortling’s leadership, Finnforel hopes to enhance its global footprint. 

To this end, the company, renowned for its cutting-edge recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), recently signed a landmark agreement with ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, to establish a state-of-the-art trout farming facility in the UAE. 

The proposed facility, set to produce 3,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually, would be housed within KEZAD’s specialised aquaculture zone. 

This project underscores Finnforel’s commitment to revolutionising food production through sustainable practices while supporting the UAE’s goal to boost domestic food security.  

Hortling highlighted Finnforel’s unique concept of an end-to-end value chain, calling it a transformative force in sustainable food production. 

She aims to leverage her expertise to strengthen the team further and drive global innovation.  

In related industry news, Therese Log Bergjord, former CEO of Skretting, has joined the board of SalMar Aker Ocean, the world’s first offshore fish farming company. 

Bergjord, a veteran of the aquafeed and aquaculture sectors, has taken on several prominent board roles since stepping down from Skretting in June 2024. 

In November, she also joined the Board of Fiskå Mølle, Norway’s largest private supplier of concentrated feed and operational equipment for agriculture, and she also became chair of the Board of the energy company Aneo.

Her extensive leadership experience includes roles at Yara International, Nordic Aqua Partners, and Kverva, further solidifying her influence within the global seafood industry.  

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.