AquaBounty promotes CCO to president as chief executive takes on extra board role
North American land-based salmon farmer AquaBounty has promoted chief commercial officer Dave Melbourne to president following chief executive Sylvia Wulf’s addition of board chair to her responsibilities.
“I am pleased to announce that Dave Melbourne will take on the position of President of AquaBounty, as part of our leadership progression to drive continued growth and expansion,” said Wulf in a press release.
“Dave joined the AquaBounty team in June 2019 as our Chief Commercial Officer with a background in general management, operations/commercial management and innovation. His 25-plus years of experience in the seafood industry spans both wild fisheries and aquaculture.
Strategic initiatives
“In his new role, Dave will oversee the day-to-day business functions for the Company, including current farm operations in the US and Canada, R&D, quality, people management, and commercial operations.
“I will focus on strategic initiatives, including investor relations, financing alternatives to complete the Ohio Farm, business development including geographic and species expansion, and my responsibilities as Chair of the AquaBounty Board of Directors.
“We remain focused on the strategic imperatives that will improve, grow and expand our business. We have made significant progress in building a solid foundation that includes a motivated, skilled and dedicated team; enhancing and continuing to improve our operational expertise while building our customer base; and driving advancements in breeding, genetics, fish health and nutrition.”
Melbourne said: “The Company continues to lead transformative solutions that will benefit the future of aquaculture, our customers and consumers. I am proud to be part of a growing, purpose driven organisation that provides a domestic source of Atlantic salmon that is safe, secure and sustainable.”
Inherited modification
AquaBounty produces Atlantic salmon that inherit a genetic modification enabling them to grow more quickly and consequently makes production in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) more viable.
It has the capacity to grow up to 1,200 tonnes at a RAS in Indiana, but has slowed work on a 10,000-plus tonne facility in Ohio because of spiralling costs.
Wulf said: “While land-based farming using RAS technology is still developing, the timing could not be better for the Company to leverage our advantages of vertical integration from broodstock to harvest, as well as our several decades of proven expertise in operating land-based RAS facilities; especially as we consider the negative impacts from climate change on food security and the environment. We have a strong, accomplished team, and together we look forward to driving continued progress.”
