2025 has been a transformative year for us in Benchmark Genetics, marked by strategic milestones, leadership changes, and innovations that strengthen our position as a global leader in aquaculture genetics.
From becoming an independent company under Novo Holdings ownership to introducing a strengthened leadership team and expanding our global service offerings, we have taken bold steps to drive sustainable growth and deliver cutting-edge genetic solutions to the aquaculture industry.
“Our mission is clear: to advance global aquaculture through innovative genetic solutions that improve fish health, enhance sustainability, and create long-term value for producers and the industry. I am inspired by our skilled team and the opportunities ahead as we continue to drive transformation in 2026.”
— Kristian Botnen, CEO of Benchmark Genetics
Corporate Milestones
- Ownership Transition: On March 31, 2025, Benchmark Holdings plc sold Benchmark Genetics to Novo Holdings – this is the major milestone in our journey.
- Independent Relaunch: From April 1, Benchmark Genetics operates as a privately held company, and is now part of Novo Holdings’ investment portfolio, retaining its brand and headquarters in Bergen.
Leadership & Organization
- CEO Appointment: Kristian Botnen officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on November 3, 2025, marking his first working day at our headquarters in Bergen.
- Strengthened Leadership Team: A new structure was introduced to drive global growth and innovation, ensuring closer collaboration across production, commercial functions, and R&D.
Key Roles Include:
- CEO: Kristian Botnen
- CFO: Jon Crowther – leading finance, business control and group reporting
- CSO: Dr. Ross Houston – leading genetic R&D, breeding programs, product design, genomics and IP
- CCO: Kate Furhovden Stenerud – heading global sales and customer partnerships
- Head of Biology & Quality: Pablo Mazo – responsible for fish health, biology, quality and HSE
- Global Salmon Ova Production Director: Benedikt Hálfdanarson – leading salmon ova production in Norway and Iceland
- Marketing Director: Birgitte Sørheim – responsible for brand, marketing, external communications and market data & analytics
- Global People Director: Julius Steinn Kristjansson – leading global HR, talent development and internal communications
- Head of Digital Technologies: Bára Gunnlaugsdóttir – responsible for IT, development and digital infrastructure
- Senior Legal Counsel: Mette Remø – overseeing legal compliance and corporate governance
- Director External Services & International Strategies (reporting to CSO): Dr. Morten Rye – leading global genetics advisory and genotyping services
- Head of Benchmark Genetics Shrimp: Bruno Decock – responsible for the shrimp breeding program and commercialisation
- General Manager, Benchmark Genetics Chile: Juan Pablo Ramírez Torrealba – heading the Chilean business unit
This strengthened leadership team positions Benchmark Genetics to accelerate innovation, enhance customer value, and continue advancing our role as a global leader in aquaculture genetics.
- Established Board of Directors with global aquaculture expertise: Tor Vikenes (Chair), Renate Larsen, Siri Vike, plus Novo Holdings representatives Johan Hueffer and Aleks Engel.
The new board brings together deep experience in aquaculture, biotechnology, and global business leadership, providing strategic guidance and ensuring responsible, long-term growth as the company advances into its next phase.
Strategic & Operational Developments
- Benchmark Genetics Chile – Strategic Shift: Transition to focus exclusively on high-value genetics services for the aquaculture industry in Chile and across Latin America.
- Refined service offering includes breeding program design, broodstock assessment, technical reviews & audits, genotyping services, bio-economic modeling & decision support, cryopreservation laboratory services.
Product & Service Innovations
- Continuing to develop the established salmon and shrimp product lines with improved performance.
- Expanded genotyping and advisory services.
- Our genotyping and genetic services are being scaled to support producers in maximizing genetic gain and resilience.
- A year and a half after launching our optimized Salmon Ova Product Portfolio demand for SalmoRobust continues to grow. To us, this clearly reflects the commitment among producers to improve performance and profitability through increased focus on robustness and fish welfare.
- Achieved a major scientific breakthrough by uncovering the genetic basis of resistance to Complex Gill Disease (CGD) in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), enabling more targeted and sustainable breeding strategies.
- Awarded two five-year research licenses in Norway to study the intersection of genetics and epigenetics, advancing understanding of growth and robustness in aquaculture species.
- Successful design and application of multi-species SNP array to boost clam breeding.
Industry Engagement
Benchmark Genetics actively participated in major industry events including:
- North Atlantic Seafood Forum (March) – Bergen, Norway
- AquaNor (August) – Trondheim, Norway
- Aqua Ice/ Lagarlíf 2025 (October) – Reykjavík, Iceland
- LACQUA 2025, Puerto Varas, Chile
Looking Ahead
2025 was a year of transformation for Benchmark Genetics. With a strengthened leadership team, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability, we are well-positioned to continue delivering biosecure genetic solutions for the aquaculture industry worldwide. Our commitment to advancing the genetic improvement of salmon and other aquaculture species remains unwavering. Our global R&D teams are driving high-value solutions and pioneering technologies, with a particular focus on gene-editing and the development of new traits to enhance competitiveness and support the sustainable progress of aquaculture over the medium and long term.
As the year comes to a close, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to our customers and collaboration partners in the aquaculture industry – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your trust and partnership – we look forward to working together to drive sustainable growth and innovation in 2026.
