BioMar’s new man in Costa Rica relishes challenge
“It’s been a whirlwind but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” says John Tinsley, as he reflects on his imminent transfer from Scotland to Costa Rica, where he will take up the role of technical director and head of product development for global feed giant BioMar’s Central America operations from 1 June.
“I’m not aware of anyone that’s made the move directly from BioMar’s site at Grangemouth in Central Scotland to Costa Rica in Central America, but there is a strong link between our R&D and production operations, so the communication lines are already well established,” Tinsley tells fishfarmingexpert.com. “There are secondments and skills are cross utilised, so it’s not completely unfamiliar within the company.”
Yorkshireman Tinsley holds a PhD in microbiology from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, as well as a master’s degree in aquatic pathobiology from Stirling University, and since 2012 has worked with BioMar’s team of scientists in Scotland focusing on health solutions for aquaculture.
“John’s new role will be to drive the development of innovative feed solutions for tropical fish and shrimp in close partnership with our customers,” says Jorge Vargas, general manager of BioMar Costa Rica. “He has an extensive background within aquatic health, which he can use to strengthen our product development activities for tropical fish and shrimp, with a combined focus on feed performance, prevention of diseases and sustainability.”
BioMar is the leader in sustainable aquaculture in Central America, and Vargas and Tinsley aim to develop this position with upcoming aquaculture species such as cobia and red snapper, as well as the established production of shrimp and tilapia.
Knowledge transfer
Speaking of his move to Costa Rica, Tinsley adds: “I am anticipating there will be challenges but I am really excited about taking them on in a beautiful part of the world with a developing aquaculture industry – there is the hot and humid weather for a start, and the language barrier, although my wife speaks Spanish so that will be a great help.
“But from a business point of view the important part is to quickly and efficiently transfer knowledge from R&D to our customers, enabling them to grow in a profitable and sustainable way. We have an excellent product range today but I am excited about bringing innovative solutions to the market to meet our customers’ demands. I anticipate it will be a smooth transfer, there is a strong support network within the company which will help greatly, and I am looking forward to getting on with the job.
“It’s a great opportunity and they don’t come around very often, so when they do you have to grab them with both hands.”
