Aquaculture biotechnology group Benchmark Holdings has appointed Preben Matre as Commercial Lead for its Animal Health business area, focusing on sea lice solutions.
Matre, previously Northern Europe Regional Manager at ACE Aquatec, has been appointed to lead the commercialisation of Benchmark’s recently launched sea lice medicine Ectosan Vet and CleanTreat in Northern Europe, with a particular focus on Norway. He will report to Geir Olav Melingen, Commercial Director Salmon in Benchmark.
Sea lice adversely affect fish health and welfare while also carrying a risk to wild salmon stocks, costing the industry approximately $1bn annually. In 2021, Norwegian authorities approved the use of Ectosan Vet with CleanTreat, representing a significant milestone for Benchmark, and the industry, after over 10 years of research and development.
Matre said: “I am looking greatly forward to working with the Benchmark team to develop innovative solutions that can play an active role in solving the challenge of sea lice for fish farmers. This is both motivating and meaningful. Having met the team, I am confident that, together, we can play an important role in helping the industry manage the dual challenge of improving animal welfare and increasing efficiency.”
Welcoming Matre to the team, Geir Olav Melingen, Commercial Director Salmon at Benchmark, said: “I am thrilled to have Preben joining our team. The skills and experience he brings from previous roles in innovative technology providers is a perfect fit at Benchmark.”
“Preben’s appointment demonstrates our intention to further strengthen our position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture solutions for the Atlantic Salmon sector. Preben will be joining our newly restructured commercial team working to support salmon farmers with both health and genetic solutions.”
Matre holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Norway, where he graduated in 2017. Outside of work, Preben is involved in the Red Cross Auxiliary Corps as a team leader on land and as a crew member on the vessel Bjørgvin.
His background covers sales and product management within the seafood industry. Matre previously worked for Ace Aquatec and Aquabyte, two companies broadly recognised for being at the forefront of developing and commercialising new technology and products for the aquaculture sector.
