The executive, who brings extensive experience from the aquaculture industry, will be responsible for the overall management of Benchmark Genetics in Chile, driving the execution of the company’s global genetics services strategy in the country and across the Latin American market.
Puerto Varas, March 24, 2026 – Benchmark Genetics is pleased to announce the appointment of Oscar Berríos Cruzat as Commercial Manager for Chile, effective April 6. This is a key role supporting the continued expansion of the company’s global portfolio of genetics services.
Benchmark Genetics provides specialized genetics services that enable aquaculture producers to benefit from genetic improvement. These services include consultancy, genotyping, cryopreservation, and bioeconomic analysis. This appointment reflects the company’s strategic focus on expanding its genetics services activities and strengthening Chile as a regional hub within its global operating model.
Oscar Berríos, a marine biologist with an MBA in Business Administration, brings more than two decades of experience in the aquaculture industry, combining operational, technical, and leadership roles across salmon production and aquaculture-related services.
He joins Benchmark Genetics from ScaleAQ Chile, where he served as Commercial Director, leading sales strategy and coordinating commercial and marketing activities. Prior to this, he held key international roles at BioMar and has significant hands-on experience in salmon farming operations.
In his new role, Oscar Berríos will be responsible for the overall performance, operational leadership, and general management of Benchmark Genetics in Chile. He will lead the execution of the global genetics services strategy in the country, with a clear objective of strengthening integration with the company’s international platform while supporting regional development across Latin America.
This appointment follows the recent hiring of Bruno Decock as Global Commercial Director, Genetics Services at Benchmark Genetics, who is responsible for leading the global genetics services portfolio and expanding these solutions to aquaculture producers worldwide.
Dr. Morten Rye, Director of Genetics Services and International Strategy at Benchmark Genetics, commented:
“We are strengthening our presence in Chile as part of our integrated genetics services strategy. Chile will play a key role as a regional hub within our global structure. Oscar brings a strong combination of technical expertise and leadership. His experience will be instrumental in translating our global capabilities into locally relevant solutions and in building long-term partnerships with our customers.”
As part of this transition, the current General Manager of Benchmark Genetics Chile, Juan Pablo Ramírez Torrealba, will step down from his role on March 31. Jean Paul Lhorente, who currently serves as Genetic Services Leader in Chile, will also leave the company on the same date but will remain as an advisor until September 2026. Benchmark Genetics thanks both executives for their significant contributions and wishes them every success in their future endeavors.
