Kate Furhovden Stenerud is Benchmark's new commercial director for salmon.

Benchmark names new salmon sales chief

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Aquaculture biotechnology company Benchmark has promoted Kate Furhovden Stenerud to commercial director for salmon as part of the company’s strategy to enhance sales of its genetics and health products for the aquaculture industry.

Stenerud, who previously worked with regional customer responsibility in South Norway, takes over the commercial responsibility from Geir Olav Melingen, who will become the new head of Benchmark Genetics starting June 1, 2023.

Melingen said: “Kate has proven to be a strong candidate for this role, and we are delighted to have her take on this new responsibility. Her contribution will continue the great work that has been done in genetics and health for salmon worldwide.”

Thommy Holvag is the new commercial lead for genetics.

Benchmark’s commercial teams for Atlantic salmon are located in Norway, the UK, Iceland, North America, and Chile. The company provides fertilised salmon eggs and delousing services to more than 40 countries worldwide.

To support Stenerud in her new role, Benchmark has created a new role of commercial lead for genetics which will be carried out by Thommy Holmvåg, who previously had responsibility of managing regional customers in Northern Norway.

Benchmark’s commercial team and genetics marketing department were reorganised in June 2022 to focus more holistically on sales and marketing of the company’s Atlantic salmon-related products.

The company said the restructuring has positively contributed to building even stronger customer relationships and improving collaboration across different departments.