ScaleAQ appoints new Chile CEO

Norway-headquartered aquaculture supplier ScaleAQ has appointed Cristian Sauterel as the new chief executive of its business in Chile.

“We are delighted to welcome Cristian to ScaleAQ. He is a highly respected voice in Chilean aquaculture and brings an impressive background to the role,” said Ben Øksnes, interim chief executive at ScaleAQ Chile.

Sauterel joins ScaleAQ after serving as head of production at salmon farmer Australis Seafoods for the past 12 years. He also has experience from Mowi, holds a degree in veterinary medicine, and has formal training in business administration, including an MBA from a national university and a Master’s degree in Management from a Spanish university.

Extensive search

“We have conducted an extensive search across Chile to find the right person to unlock our potential. Cristian has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of salmon farming,” Øksnes said.

Throughout his career, Sauterel has played a key role in driving performance improvements at Australis, leveraging data-driven strategies to achieve strong results.

“I am truly excited to join ScaleAQ Chile. There are tremendous opportunities to further develop the industry, and I am proud to become part of the ScaleAQ Group, whose owners are deeply committed to salmon farming,” Sauterel said in a press release.

Getting to know Chile

ScaleAQ said that over the past year it had invested significant resources to strengthen its understanding of Chilean aquaculture, culture, and identity. These insights have been instrumental in shaping the company’s renewed strategy for Chile.

ScaleAQ chief executive Audun Sivertsen said: “The Chilean farmers should choose among the best tools. Christian will help us identify both today’s and future challenges and solutions. Together, we will find the best approach, grounded in biology. Christian is an ideal fit, given his background.”

Sauterel will assume his new role in February.

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