© Cermaq Norway
"After 8 years, it is the right time to pass the baton on. [They have] been fantastic years in a strong, committed and competent organisation, with major investments, and doubling of volume and turnover with a clearer responsible profile," said Ellekjær, in a press release.
"We have designed and are now launching a new strategy for the coming years, and it is natural that this will be continued with a new leader, while at the same time it gives me an opportunity to look at completely different opportunities in the last part of my working life," he added.
Kristin Hurum, Ellekjær's successor as leader of Cermaq Norway, has worked for the salmon farming company for 14 years, first as a sustainability manager, and most recently as director of HR, quality, and sustainability.
"I am very happy and honoured to get the opportunity to lead Cermaq Norway. The reason I have accepted is that we have a very strong team with incredibly talented people. People are important – they are the ones who create the results. We have set ourselves exciting goals, and a strategy with full emphasis on fish welfare and people, and I am looking forward to getting started on this work,” commented Hurum.
Steven Rafferty, chief executive of Cermaq Group, expressed his gratitude to Ellekjær for his hard work to progress the operations of the company, and also his excitement for the developments to come under Hurum's leadership.
"Knut Ellekjær has done a brilliant job at Cermaq Norway, and leaves behind a company that is very well equipped for further growth and development. I have great faith that Kristin Hurum, with her expertise and solid background, alongside a strong management team, will take Cermaq Norway forward in a very good way," he concluded.
