Change of leadership for net coatings specialist Steen-Hansen

Aquaculture anti-fouling business Steen-Hansen has appointed Ulrik Ulriksen as its new CEO.

He succeeds Svein Ove Rabben, who has led Steen-Hansen since 2012. Ulriksen comes from the position of Chief Operating Officer in the same company, where he has worked with business development and growth for over six years.

He has extensive experience from the aquaculture industry; as former service manager in Aquasmart (now AKVA Group), leader of the development work for both Arena and Ocea (now ScaleAQ) as well as other leadership roles in both Norway and Chile. Ulriksen is also a diligently used advisor for several players in the industry.

Steen-Hansen AS is a global leader in impregnation and coating for aquaculture, and offers both copper-reduced and copper-free products for net protection. The company also produces specialized paint systems for industry, textile protection, passive fire protection and surface treatment with a special focus on the environment.

Norway-based Steen-Hansen has undergone major changes recently, with a new state-of-the-art factory ready in early 2022, new owners with Accent Equity as the majority shareholder and new, copper-free products on the market.

Ulriksen said: “I am very grateful to work for a company with such skilled employees and forward-thinking owners. Leading Steen-Hansen is like working with a dream team; colleagues with commitment, creativity and a stand-on-will that is completely unique. I am also very happy that Svein Ove Rabben will continue with us. He brings the company valuable experience and qualities we greatly appreciate. Together, we will build on the good work that has been done and lift the company to even higher goals.”

Svein Ove Rabben will step into the role of Chief Technical Officer and will continue as part of the company’s management team, with a special focus on quality work and sustainability.

He said: “It was natural for me to let new forces unleash until now when the company will now develop further. We have achieved a lot in a few years, and there are still many challenges where Steen-Hansen can contribute with improvements for the industry; Environmental footprint, fish welfare and profitability are areas where we have more to contribute.”