New boss for salmon egg supplier Benchmark Chile
Salmon ova producer Benchmarks Genetics Chile has announced the appointment of experienced aquaculture scientist Berta Contreras Mutis as general manager.
Contreras has moved to Benchmark from salmon farmer Cermaq Chile, where she spent almost four years as technical and research and development manager. Prior to that she was a managing partner at Puerto Montt-based Conecta Spa, a specialist in strategy design and environmental analysis in the salmon sector, and before that spent 25 years as technical manager and corporate affairs manager with salmon farmer Marine Harvest Chile (now Mowi Chile).
She replaces Benchmark Genetics Chile’s general manager Pablo Mazo, who is relocating to Bergen as performance and documentation manager at Benchmark Genetics in Norway.
'Profound understanding'
Benchmark Genetics Chile’s president, Geir Olav Melingen, said: “We firmly believe that Berta is the right person to lead our continued growth in this market, where an increasing number of farmers are showing interest in our Atlantic salmon ova.
“Her extensive experience and profound understanding of the salmon farming sector will undoubtedly contribute to the continued expansion of our operations in the country, always with a focus on performance, biosecurity, and the delivery of high-quality services.”
Melingen, who is in overall charge of Benchmark Genetics’ operations worldwide, said Mazo had made invaluable contributions during his tenure of over three years in the Chilean branch, and had played a pivotal role in launching and positioning Benchmark Genetics Chile.
“Thanks to his rigor and business vision, we have achieved significant milestones. We look forward to further growth under the guidance of our new leadership,” said Melingen.
Benchmark Genetics Chile first began supplying salmon eggs to fish farmers in 2020, and says it now holds a 10% share of the market.
