Knut Ellekjær to step down as head of Cermaq Norway; Kristin Hurum appointed successor.
Knut Ellekjær will step down as head of Cermaq Norway after eight years in the role, the company announced. He will be succeeded by Kristin Hurum, currently Director of HR, Quality and Sustainability, who has been with the company for 14 years.
“After eight years, it is the right time to pass the baton on,” said Ellekjær. “It has been fantastic years in a strong, committed and competent organisation, with major investments and doubling of volume and turnover with a clearer responsible profile. 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. The fact that Kristin Hurum – one of our own ranks – has been chosen to take over the role is something I am very proud of.”
Hurum, 56, holds a degree in business organisation and previously worked in banking and consulting before joining Cermaq. She began as Sustainability Manager at Cermaq Group before transitioning to Cermaq Norway in 2014.
“I am very happy and honoured to get the opportunity to lead Cermaq Norway,” she said. “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.”
Cermaq Group CEO Steven Rafferty welcomed the appointment.
“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 said.
Ellekjær will remain in his role until 31 May.
