Felix Ratheb, CEO of South African seafood giant Sea Harvest, has been elected Chairman of the Groundfish Forum. He replaces Klaus Nielsen, CEO of Espersen in Denmark, who has been at the forum’s helm for thirteen years.
The Groundfish Forum brings together 300 seafood executives from across the globe on an annual basis to discuss trends in supply and disposition of seafood, as well as consumer behaviour and demand dynamics. It is governed by a Council represented by the largest seafood companies around the globe and appoints an Executive Committee to run the affairs of the Forum. Ratheb has attended each forum since 2006 and was appointed to the executive committee in 2016.
‘It is truly an honour to be appointed Chair of an association that is represented by seafood executives globally,’ Felix Ratheb said.
‘To be recognized by your peers is truly something special and I will ensure that we continue to do the excellent work of our predecessor, Klaus Nielsen. I would like to thank the executive and the Council for the support and trust in me.’
With 6000 staff and both fishing and aquaculture activity in South Africa and Australia, Sea Harvest operates 51 vessels, five fish processing facilities and two abalone farms.
Felix Ratheb joined the Group in 2003 and was appointed CEO in 2013. He was instrumental in the achieving the company’s listing in 2017 and the subsequent growth of the Group both in South Africa and Australia.
He served on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Board and is a former Chairman of the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association. He joined the Groundfish Forum executive board in 2016 and held the role of treasurer on the executive committee.
