Former Lerøy leader brings years of industry experience into new, executive-level role at Aker BioMarine.
A self-described ‘boat guy’, Webjørn Barstad is ready to jump on board a new mission as Executive Vice President, responsible for Aker BioMarine’s offshore krill harvesting operations. Barstad has spent his entire career within the seafood industry, most recently serving as the CEO for Lerøy Havfisk (ocean fisheries) and Lerøy Norway Seafoods (shorebased processing), and COO at Lerøy Seafood Group.
“At Aker BioMarine, we are committed to running an innovative and technology-driven krill fishery, and our EVP Offshore is an integral part of fulfilling these high ambitions. Barstad has dedicated his career to seafood and is clearly passionate about the advancement of our industry. We are excited to bring Barstad’s energy and commitment into our executive team,” says Matts Johansen, CEO, Aker BioMarine.
Barstad has dedicated nearly 30 years to the seafood industry
Barstad’s journey into the world of seafood began in 1991, when he took on a role in production and sales for the small fish processor L.S. Larsen in Ålesund, Norway. From there, he spent 15 years with advisory and leadership roles in Norwegian Fishermen’s Organization and Norwegian Fishing Vessel Owners Association, before he went on to lead operations for Strand Havfiske, followed by six years of senior positions in Havfisk and Lerøy Seafood Group.
“It isn’t right to say that I’m now joining a krill harvesting company. That’s only half the story. For me, this is a clear move into biotech, joining the management team of a company that leads in technology, innovation and sustainability – not only in its harvesting operations, but across its entire value chain. I cannot wait to play a role in delivering on Aker BioMarine’s bold ambitions for growth going forward,” says Barstad.
Barstad’s role as EVP Offshore officially commenced on 1 December 2020, and his appointment to the position was made official during Aker BioMarine’s quarterly results report on the same day.
For more information, contact:
Katrin Berntsen
Director Communications
ph: +47 920 54 570
katrin.berntsen@akerbiomarine.com
About Aker BioMarine
Aker BioMarine is a biotech innovator and Antarctic krill-harvesting company, dedicated to improving human and planetary health. The company develops krill-based ingredients for nutraceutical, aquaculture, and animal feed applications. The company’s fully transparent value chain stretches from sustainable krill harvesting in pristine Antarctic waters through its Montevideo logistics hub, Houston production plant, and all the way to customers around the world.