Akaroa King Salmon Appoints New CEO
Akaroa King Salmon has announced the appointment of Stewart Hawthorn as its new Chief Executive Officer. Hawthorn will relocate from Scotland to New Zealand to take on the leadership role, bringing over 35 years of experience in salmon farming and business.
With a strong track record of leadership across Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand, most recently, hHawthorn served as Managing Director of Loch Long Salmon. Prior to that, he was Farming Director at Dawnfresh Farming, overseeing operations at the UK’s largest rainbow trout producer, and Managing Director at Grieg Seafood BC, where he managed a CAD $110M business supplying salmon to North American and Asian markets.
Hawthorn succeeds Duncan Bates, the company’s founding partner and retiring CEO, who will remain on the board. “After 40 years building Akaroa King Salmon, it was important to me to find the right person to lead Akaroa forward. Stewart, who I’ve known for over two decades, was my preferred choice,” said Bates.
Chairperson Dean Moana welcomed Hawthorn’s appointment, noting, “We are delighted to have someone of Stewart’s calibre. His experience aligns with our commitment to sustainability and exceptional product quality.”
Akaroa King Salmon is a 100% New Zealand-owned partnership, including Ngāti Porou Seafoods, Te Kahui o Ōnuku (guardians of Akaroa Harbour), and the Bates family. The partnership is rooted in a commitment to intergenerational sustainability, supporting local employment and producing premium salmon responsibly.
Hawthorn, who has held senior roles in Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm for the new role. “I am excited to join the Akaroa team and continue my journey with an innovative, independent producer of the finest quality salmon,” he said.
