Houston takes charge of Benchmark breeding programmes
Move is part of reshuffle that reflects renewed focus on improved strains and expansion of genetic services, says salmon ova supplier
Scottish fish geneticist Dr Ross Houston will take primary responsibility for the internal breeding programmes and product development at salmon ova supplier Benchmark Genetics, the company said today.
The move is part of changes that reflect a strategic succession, together with a renewed focus on developing market-leading and genetically improved strains and expansion of global genetic services, Benchmark said.
Dr Morten Rye will take on a new senior role as director of external services and global strategies, expanding Benchmark Genetics’ provision of genetics services to the global aquaculture sector. This will include providing genomic tools and analysis, making Benchmark Genetics a one-stop shop for genetic services.
Keeps R&D role
Houston, a former professor at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, will lead the technical genetics team, succeeding Rye as director of genetics and innovation. He will retain his existing leadership of R&D for the company.
Benchmark’s genetics team has also been reorganised, with new leadership positions for each of its five internal breeding programmes within Atlantic salmon, shrimp and tilapia and for the key technical support and R&D teams. This includes molecular genetics, reproductive technologies, and trait development.
Jan-Emil Johannessen, head of Benchmark Genetics, said: “These changes reflect a successful succession of our senior leadership team and are targeted towards securing our world-leading position within the applied aquaculture genetics field.
“We are confident that Ross and Morten will excel in their new roles, helping our team of over 25 expert geneticists to deliver genetic improvement to the aquaculture industry.”
