American Seafoods has appointed Einar Gustafsson as its new CEO, taking over from outgoing CEO Mikel Durham.
‘Einar brings to American Seafoods proven senior leadership and exceptional strategic capabilities in developing and growing worldwide seafood and fresh foods businesses, said Scott Perekslis of the American Seafoods board of directors and managing partner of Bregal Partners.
‘Einar’s track record of success in building international brands will be vital, as he leads American Seafoods through this next chapter of growth.‘
As part of the company’s leadership transition, Inge Andreassen, President of the American Seafoods Company harvesting subsidiary, and with 30 years of leadership at American Seafoods, takes over as Chief Operating Officer, and continues as acting CEO until Einar Gustafsson’s appointment becomes effective.
‘I’m very excited about the opportunity to lead American Seafoods, with its impressive heritage and history, into a new era of growth. Wild-caught Alaska pollock and Pacific hake present delicious and great value protein offerings that sustainably feed the world, with strong demand and an appeal that truly crosses cultures and palates among consumers worldwide,’ Einar Gustafsson said.
‘It is especially rewarding for me to return to my roots in the seafood industry and rejoin American Seafoods to partner with Inge Andreassen, who will serve as our President and COO. Inge’s accomplishments and experience spanning over three decades at the company will be instrumental in running our global operations, as we propel the business to new heights.’
Einar Gustafsson brings a strong track records with him to American Seafoods, having most recently been placed as CEO Americas and Europe for Gong Cha, one of the world’s most recognised bubble tea brands, where he was responsible for scaling the brand’s presence in the Americas and support its European expansion. Prior to that, he managed Bakkavor Asia for 15 years, leading all aspects of the $2 billion fresh prepared food group’s entry into the Asian markets. Prior to that, he was VP and general manager at American Pride Seafoods (a former division of American Seafoods) after having been President and CEO of Atlantic Coast Fisheries Corporation.
