Ole-Eirik Lerøy's Departure as Chairman of Mowi
Today, Mowi ASA shared the news that Ole-Eirik Lerøy will step down as Chairman of the Board after a remarkable fifteen-year journey with the company. His departure marks an important leadership transition for Mowi, renowned for its position as the world's largest supplier of farm-raised salmon.
The Legacy of Ole-Eirik Lerøy
Reflecting on his tenure, Lerøy expressed pride in witnessing Mowi evolve into a fully integrated global seafood powerhouse, committed to delivering premium salmon across the globe. His leadership has played a key role in cultivating a strong foundation for the company, now poised for ambitious growth including plans leading to 2029.
Lerøy's association with Mowi began around 2009/2010, a period during which the organization flourished and developed robust farming operations in several regions, such as Norway, Scotland, Ireland, the Faroes, Iceland, Canada, and Chile. Under his guidance, Mowi has expanded while now employing approximately 11,500 individuals across 26 countries.
Comments from Leadership
John Fredriksen, a significant shareholder in Mowi, remarked on Lerøy's invaluable contributions to the business. "Ole-Eirik is a true industry veteran and his influence has been vital in establishing a robust Mowi organization. We deeply appreciate his extensive service over these years, which lays a solid groundwork for future growth and value creation," Fredriksen stated.
Introducing Ørjan Svanevik
In light of this transition, the nomination committee intends to propose Ørjan Svanevik as Lerøy's successor. The proposal will be presented during an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company.
Svanevik currently serves as an investment director at Seatankers and brings a wealth of experience from various leadership roles. His resume includes positions such as CEO of Arendals Fossekompani, Head of M&A at Aker, and Chief Operating Officer of Kværner. He has also been involved in board roles with reputable companies, including Mowi, Volue, Seadrill, and Archer.
With a strong academic background, Svanevik holds an MSc in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian Business School (BI), an MBA from Thunderbird, and an AMP from Harvard, making him well-equipped to take Mowi forward.
Mowi's Position in the Global Seafood Market
Mowi stands as one of the premier seafood companies worldwide and the foremost producer of farm-raised Atlantic salmon. The company has projected a harvest of approximately 500,000 tonnes for 2024 across its operations in several countries. As a fully integrated company, Mowi not only focuses on salmon but also offers various seafood products under its MOWI brand, ensuring consumers receive the finest quality.
Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Mowi remains a global leader in the seafood sector while being listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. In recent years, the company reported a turnover of EUR 5.5 billion in 2023, showcasing its stability and growth potential in a competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ole-Eirik Lerøy stepping down?
Ole-Eirik Lerøy is stepping down after fifteen years of service, believing it's the right time for leadership transition as Mowi continues its growth trajectory.
Who is Ørjan Svanevik?
Ørjan Svanevik is the proposed successor to Ole-Eirik Lerøy, currently serving as the investment director at Seatankers, with extensive leadership experience.
What has been Mowi's impact under Lerøy's leadership?
Under Lerøy's leadership, Mowi has grown into the world's largest supplier of farm-raised salmon and has established a strong global presence.
What are Mowi's future ambitions?
Mowi aims to reach its newly announced goals for 2029, emphasizing sustained growth and operational excellence in the seafood sector.
Where is Mowi headquartered?
Mowi is headquartered in Bergen, Norway, and operates in over 26 countries worldwide, employing around 11,500 people.
