Former AKVA executive Campbell joins BioMar
Technology leader will spearhead company’s strategy to move 'beyond feed supply'
Feed supplier BioMar has recruited former AKVA executive Andrew Campbell as chief executive for its shrimp feeding technology company AQ1, which it bought in April. AQ1 founder Ross Dodd will stay in an executive role, contributing to the company’s future growth.
BioMar said that after a period of extensive growth as the world’s leading provider of intelligent feeding control systems for shrimp aquaculture, Dodd has decided to hand over the position of chief executive of AQ1. Campbell is an experienced technology leader who has been directing aquaculture supplier AKVA Group’s international operations in the Americas, Australasia, Mediterranean and the UK and Ireland for the last 20 years.
“We are extremely happy that Andrew Campbell has decided to join us to build the future of AQ1,” said BioMar Group chief executive Carlos Diaz in a press release.
“Sustainable aquaculture will be driven by low-impact feed solutions and intelligent feeding technology, enabling efficient farm management. We believe there is huge potential for growth at the intersection between feed and technology, and Andrew brings vast experience to the table.”
Intelligent feeding
BioMar said the acquisition of AQ1 in April was the first step towards becoming a feeding solution provider, and that Campbell will lead a strategy for moving beyond feed supply.
“Ross Dodd’s contribution to building and guiding AQ1 into a leading position in the shrimp markets has been instrumental, and we welcome his continued involvement in the company,” said Diaz.
“What he has done towards efficient aquaculture is outstanding. The algorithms and the acoustic systems are now at a level where we can truly talk about intelligent feeding. Moving into the next phase of technology solutions will open doors to a new generation of sustainable aquaculture.”
Campbell and Dodd have previously worked together in AKVA Group, and will work together on a transition plan, said BioMar.
“I strongly believe that together we can build on the magic of AQ1, accelerate global growth, and leverage the possibilities for using feeding technologies within the world of shrimp. AQ1 is a business with huge potential for leading the technological transformation within shrimp farming, and I am proud that BioMar and Ross have trusted me with this challenge,” said Campbell, who finished his 23-year stint with AKVA last week and takes up his new role on January 1, 2023.
