SalMar’s CEO quits after five months

Linda Litlekalsøy Aase has resigned as CEO of salmon giant SalMar after just five months in the post.

Aase, who took over from SalMar founder Gustav Witzøe in May, has been a member of the SalMar board of dirctors since 2020. She notified her decision to the board a few days ago. No reason has been given by the company for her departure.

The new CEO is 52-year-old Frode Arntsen, who has been part of SalMar since 2017 as executive vice president for Sales & Industry. He has worked in the seafood industry since 2000 and has previously held various management positions in a number of seafood companies.

SalMar board chairman Gustav Witzøe said: “SalMar is one of the leading and most efficient salmon producers in the world.

“The company has delivered a solid operational performance during Aase’s tenure as CEO. – We thank Aase for her time and effort in SalMar.

“I would like to express my personal gratitude to Aase for her effort as CEO. At the same time, I am pleased that we have found an experienced replacement. I am comfortable that Frode Arntsen will continue to safeguard and develop SalMar as a leading supplier of salmon produce.”

Frode Arntsen said: “I am highly motivated and ready to take on the task of leading one of the world’s best aquaculture companies. The task will be to ensure that the strong development in SalMar continues.

“We are a dedicated and passionate team with more than 1,900 competent employees who work every day to deliver healthy and sustainable seafood to the whole world, so I am looking forward to this.”

Aase’s colleague Gunnar Neilson resigned as Chief Financial Officer at SalMar three weeks ago.

Frode Arnsten, CEO SalMar