Based at the company’s offices in Bergen, Ms Sørheim – who has an Aquaculture Engineering degree from Bergen University College and an Executive MBA in Brand Management from the Norwegian School of Economics - will be responsible for delivering all aspects of the division’s ambitious marketing strategy and operations.
Ms Sørheim has held a number of prominent positions at companies including Lerøy Seafood AS, Marine Harvest, VAP Hydo Seafood AS and Fish Pool ASA and brings to Benchmark a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning strategy development, management, marketing, communication, social media, business development and sales.
Speaking from their Sheffield, UK headquarters, Benchmark Holdings CEO, Malcolm Pye, commented: "Birgitte is a great addition to the Group and joins us at a busy and exciting time. We have recently diversified into fish species other than salmon through the acquisitions of Norwegian-based aquaculture genetics and research company Akvaforsk Genetics Center AS (AFGC) and American-based Spring Genetics.
"As well as diversifying our offering, this also gives us access to new geographies and customers in emerging markets. We will be drawing on Birgitte’s extensive knowledge and experience, as well as her significant network within the aquaculture industry in Norway and internationally, to build a brand that is globally recognised and trusted for its industry-leading genetics across a range of aquaculture species."