Benchmark Genetics has appointed Thomas Samdal as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marking an important step in strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues its next phase of growth as an independent company under Novo Holdings.
Samdal assumed the role on 1 April and is a member of the executive management team. He takes over from Jon Crowther, who will retire following a short transition period.
Strong financial leadership with global and operational experience
Samdal joins Benchmark Genetics from his position as CFO at the research institute NORCE, where he was responsible for the group’s finance function, including reporting, financing, sustainability reporting, and strategic financial management.
He brings close to 20 years of experience across auditing, corporate finance, and financial leadership roles. His background includes several CFO positions, as well as experience from investment management and auditing, giving him a strong combination of financial rigor and hands-on operational insight.
Samdal holds a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration and a Master in Accounting and Auditing from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).
Supporting the next phase of growth
Benchmark Genetics has, over the past year, established itself as an independent company with Novo Holdings as its owner. The company is now focused on scaling its global operations and strengthening its position within genetics and genotyping services.
CEO Kristian Botnen highlights the importance of strong financial leadership in this phase:
“We are very pleased to welcome Thomas to the team. He brings a strong professional profile and broad experience from both commercial companies and research environments. This combination fits very well with Benchmark Genetics as we continue to build on our position as a global leader in aquaculture genetics. His ability to connect strategy with operational execution will be important for the company’s continued development.”
Motivated by impact in aquaculture
For Samdal, the opportunity to contribute to a company at the core of the aquaculture value chain was a key motivation:
“Benchmark Genetics plays a key role in the global aquaculture value chain, where genetics is the starting point for both sustainability and profitability. I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable food system. At the same time, it is very exciting to join the company at this stage, where we will continue to develop and scale the business.”
He adds that a key priority will be to ensure that the finance function actively supports the company’s core operations:
“An important part of my role will be to ensure that the finance function actively supports the core business and enables the organisation to achieve its strategic goals.”
