Nofima names aquaculture division boss as its new chief executive
Torstensen will take charge of research institute in the summer
Norwegian research institute Nofima has named its aquaculture division director Bente E Torstensen as its new chief executive.
Torstensen, whose career includes a 16-month spell with salmon farmer Mowi, will take over from Øyvind Fylling-Jensen when he retires in the summer.
Fylling-Jensen’s position was advertised last autumn, and after a thorough process, the board unanimously appointed Torstensen, Nofima said in a press release.
Highly skilled applicants
“We felt it important to take our time over finding the best candidate. We received many highly skilled and well-qualified applicants, which indicates that Nofima is a highly recognised research institute,” said board chair Thomas Farstad.
“The board was heavily involved in the recruitment process, interviewing many candidates. We are confident that we have found the best one for Nofima.
“Bente has a solid research background. She also has plenty of management experience, a good network and understanding of the industry’s needs.”
Marine Harvest
Torstensen, 52, has worked in her current role since August 2017. Prior to that, she worked at Marine Harvest (now Mowi) as team manager feed and fish performance for the company’s R&D division between May 2016 and August 2017.
She started her career as a researcher at Norway’s National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (Nifes), progressing to senior researcher, research manager and research director.
Torstensen has a PhD in Nutritional Biology from the University of Bergen and is also a graduate of Harvard Business School in Boston (Executive Education).
She will take over as CEO of Nofima on 25 June, and will continue as aquaculture division director in the period ahead.
