Ramírez to head Benchmark Genetics Chile

Benchmark Genetics Chile has appointed Juan Pablo Ramírez Torrealba as General Manager, succeeding Berta Contreras Mutis.

Mutis will be pursuing new professional opportunities, the company said.

Juan Pablo Ramírez Torrealba (pictured) holds a degree in industrial engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and brings over thirteen years of experience in the aquaculture sector. He has held various management and leadership roles throughout the production chain, from freshwater operations to commercial activities.

Ramírez’s distinguished career in the Chilean salmon industry includes his roles as Production and Operations Manager at Agua Mar and Farming Manager at Cultivos Yadrán (2020-2024). He also served as Manager of Naviera Río Dulce (2019-2020), Regional Manager of Camanchaca Cultivos Sur in Chiloé (2017-2018), and Deputy Manager of Planning and later North American Sales at Camanchaca Salmon in Tomé, Bíobío region (2013-2015).

His career began in 2011 as a commercial assistant at Salmones Friosur, where he later became Head of the Processing Plant in Puerto Chacabuco, Aysén region, until the end of 2013.

Torrealba said: “I am very excited to join an international leader like Benchmark, renowned for producing Atlantic salmon eggs globally. I believe there is still significant potential in Chile to share the excellent results we achieve with our quality products, strong performance, and high biosafety standards.”

Geir Olav Melingen, Director of Benchmark’s Atlantic salmon business areas, added: “We are delighted to welcome Juan Pablo Ramírez as our team leader in Chile. His extensive industry experience and capabilities are exactly what we need to continue our expansion in the country.

“Juan Pablo has our full support in advancing the production of high-quality Atlantic salmon eggs for the Chilean salmon farming industry.”

Melingen also extended his gratitude to Berta Contreras for her invaluable contributions during her tenure, highlighting her role in significantly enhancing the company’s presence in the Chilean market.

“We wish Berta every success in her future endeavours,” he said.