Lerøy will be succeeded by Ørjan Svanevik.
Norwegian salmon producing giant, Mowi announced today that Ole-Eirik Lerøy will step down as Chairman of the Board following a 15-year tenure, during which the company became the world’s largest supplier of farm-raised salmon.
Lerøy will be succeeded by Ørjan Svanevik, pending approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
Lerøy reflected on Mowi’s growth and global integration, stating, “The company is stronger than ever, and the timing is right to pass the baton.”
He joined the company in 2009/2010 and oversaw its expansion into a fully integrated seafood company, operating in seven countries including Norway, Scotland, Canada, and Chile.
John Fredriksen, representative of Mowi’s largest shareholder, praised Lerøy’s contributions, saying, “Ole-Eirik is a true industry veteran and has been instrumental in building the strong Mowi organization.”
The nomination committee has proposed that Svanevik, an experienced leader with roles including investment director of Seatankers and previous executive positions in Arendals Fossekompani, Aker, and Kværner, succeed Lerøy. Svanevik is currently a board member of several listed companies, including Mowi.
Mowi, headquartered in Bergen, employs 11,500 people across 26 countries, and is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. In 2023, the company recorded a turnover of EUR 5.5 billion and is expected to harvest 500,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon in 2024. The EGM will be convened shortly to finalize the leadership transition.
