Board and Management
Board of Directors
Atle Eide
Chairman of the Board
Atle Eide is Norwegian and has held numerous high-level positions in the seafood industry, as well as in finance and the global agriculture industry
Atle Eide is Norwegian and has held numerous high-level positions in the seafood industry, as well as in finance and the global agriculture industry. Such positions include CEO of Mowi (Marine Harvest), a company Eide established supported by John Fredriksen and Tor Olav Trøim as lead shareholders, Hydro Seafood; the first global salmon farmer of size. Eide has also been chairman of Norway Royal Salmon and Salmar. Eide was also senior partner in HitecVision, the leading private equity fund in Norway. He was also CEO in Kverneland, at the time a listed company and the largest producer of agricultural implements in the world. Eide is currently chairman of Lake Harvest Group, a leading African Tilapia producer. Eide is an active investor and hold bord-member ships in companies where he is invested.
Knut Nesse
Board Member
Knut Nesse is Norwegian citizen, working as CEO of AKVA group ASA, a position he has held since November 2019. Prior to his current positions, Mr. Nesse has extensive experience as a CEO in international leading companies, including six years as CEO of Skretting Group (part of Nutreco) and six years as CEO of Nutreco.
Knut Nesse is Norwegian citizen, working as CEO of AKVA group ASA, a position he has held since November 2019. Prior to his current positions, Mr. Nesse has extensive experience as a CEO in international leading companies, including six years as CEO of Skretting Group (part of Nutreco) and six years as CEO of Nutreco. Mr. Nesse has vast experience from board positions in several companies.
Mr. Nesse holds an MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH)
Therese Log Bergjord
Board Member
Therese Log Bergjord is a Norwegian citizen, working as CEO of Skretting and member of the Management Board of Nutreco. Before her current position, Therese previously worked in aquaculture where she held various leading positions across the value chain in salmon feed as global sales director for Skretting, in fish farming and fish processing in Pan Fish (Now MOWI).
Therese Log Bergjord is a Norwegian citizen, working as CEO of Skretting and member of the Management Board of Nutreco.
Before her current position, Therese previously worked in aquaculture where she held various leading positions across the value chain in salmon feed as global sales director for Skretting, in fish farming and fish processing in Pan Fish (Now MOWI). She worked eight years for Compass Group; a leading food service company and she started her career in the oil and gas industry where she spent 16 years in ConocoPhillips in a number of leadership roles.
Therese Log Bergjord studied finance and business administration, and marketing and entrepreneurship at the University of Stavanger in Norway.
Vegard Gjerde
Board Member
Vegard Gjerde is a Norwegian citizen. He holds a MSc in Finance from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and works as Investment Director in Kontrari. Vegard represents Kontrari in numerus boards both as Chair, member, and observer.
Vegard Gjerde is a Norwegian citizen. He holds a MSc in Finance from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and works as Investment Director in Kontrari. Vegard represents Kontrari in numerus boards both as Chair, member, and observer.
Aino Olaisen
Board Member
Aino Olaisen is a Norwegian citizen. She is a owner and now the chairperson in the family controlled company Nova Sea. She has held various board positions in many companies and organisations within the aquaculture sector in Norway and abroad.
Aino Olaisen is a Norwegian citizen. She is a owner and now the chairperson in the family controlled company Nova Sea. She has held various board positions in many companies and organisations within the aquaculture sector in Norway and abroad. On a daily basis she runs her own investment company Aino as, where the mail focus is to invest in new technology in aquaculture.
Ove Nodland
Board Member
Ove Nodland is a Norwegian citizen, but has lived and worked in Ningbo, China since 1999. He has more than 30 years’ experience from working in Asia in various management positions, including setting up and being the CEO of Nordic Industrial Park in 2002, where he has advised and supported 50 companies when setting up their business operations in China.
Ove Nodland is a Norwegian citizen, but has lived and worked in Ningbo, China since 1999. He has more than 30 years’ experience from working in Asia in various management positions, including setting up and being the CEO of Nordic Industrial Park in 2002, where he has advised and supported 50 companies when setting up their business operations in China. Ove is the founding partner of Nordic Aqua Partners and initiated the project in 2014. Before moving to China, he held management positions in various companies in Norway. Mr. Nodland is an Honorary Citizen of Ningbo and is a Qualified Mechanical Engineer from the Stavanger College of Technology.
Marit Solberg
Board Member
Marit Solberg is a Norwegian citizen. She has a broad and deep knowledge of aquaculture and fish processing, as well as extensive networks and cultural awareness in the international market. Marit Solberg holds a BSc in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, and an MSc in Microbiology, with a specialisation in Marine Ecology, both from the University of Bergen.
Marit Solberg is a Norwegian citizen. She has a broad and deep knowledge of aquaculture and fish processing, as well as extensive networks and cultural awareness in the international market. Marit Solberg holds a BSc in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, and an MSc in Microbiology, with a specialisation in Marine Ecology, both from the University of Bergen. She has also completed leadership development and team building courses from reputable institutions, such as the Administrative Research Institute AFF and Mercuri Urval. Marit Solberg has led large organizations in different cultures and achieved good financial results. She has demonstrated skills in restructuring, mergers, and change management, as well as technical and biological expertise in aquaculture and fish processing.
Management of Nordic Aqua Partners AS (NOAP)
Ragnar Joensen
CEO, NOAP
Ragnar Joensen is a Faroese citizen with extensive management experience from the aquaculture industry. Prior to the Company, he worked 17 years as Managing Director at Marine Harvest (now Mowi).
Ragnar Joensen is a Faroese citizen with extensive management experience from the aquaculture industry. Prior to the Company, he worked 17 years as Managing Director at Marine Harvest (now Mowi). He has also been in executive positions at Marine Harvest Faroes, Marine Harvest Norway and Marine Harvest ASA. Furthermore, Mr. Joensen has held several board positions at leading aquaculture companies.
Mr. Joensen holds a M.Sc. in Engineering, Aquaculture from Aalborg University, Denmark, and an MBA from the University of Warwick, UK.
Tom Johan Austrheim
CFO, NOAP
Tom Johan Austrheim is a Norwegian citizen. He held the position as CFO in Edda Wind ASA and has had several CFO positions during his career.
Tom Johan Austrheim is a Norwegian citizen. He held the position as CFO in Edda Wind ASA and has had several CFO positions during his career. Tom Johan Austrheim is Siviløkonom from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh and will have an important role in the further financing and growth of the company, who now is in the process to move from Euronext Growth to Oslo Stock Exchange main list. Tom Johan Austrheim assumed the role as CFO on May 1st, 2024.
Hjalti Hvítklett
Finance Director, NOAP
Mr. Hjalti Hvítklett (born 1979) is from Faroe Island, and comes from the position as CFO in P/F Pelagos, a position he has hold since 2014. Mr. Hvítklett has a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration and Auditing (Cand. merc. aud.) from School of Business and Social Science, Aarhus University
Mr. Hjalti Hvítklett (born 1979) is from Faroe Island, and comes from the position as CFO in P/F Pelagos, a position he has hold since 2014. Mr. Hvítklett has a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration and Auditing (Cand. merc. aud.) from School of Business and Social Science, Aarhus University.
Ana Elisenda Holden-Peters
Sustainability Director, NOAP
Ana Elisenda Holden-Peters is a British citizen and an experienced corporate sustainability professional with more than 16 years of experience working in multinational companies in different sectors including tourism, banking, retail and aquaculture.
Ana Elisenda Holden-Peters is a British citizen and an experienced
corporate sustainability professional with more than 16 years of experience working in multinational companies in different sectors including tourism, banking, retail and aquaculture. More recently she set up and ran the award-winning Faroese Sustainable Business Initiative. She holds an MSc in Management from the University of Bath, UK and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from Cambridge University, CISL, UK.
Ms. Holden-Peters has broad experience in ESG reporting and assurance, governance, communications, strategic planning, stakeholder relationship management, data management, research, and community investment. Ana’s role is in developing the business’ ESG strategy, policies and reporting.
Management of Nordic Aqua (Ningbo) Co., Ltd (NAN)
Andreas Thorud
Managing Director, NAN
Andreas Thorud has a remarkable professional working career in China and is fluent in Mandarin. He brings high expertise and a deep understanding of the Chinese business landscape and the salmon market. Andreas Thorud has been an integral part of the Norwegian Seafood Council where he held the position of Head of the Seafood Council's overall operations in China.
Andreas Thorud has a remarkable professional working career in China and is fluent in Mandarin. He brings high expertise and a deep understanding of the Chinese business landscape and the salmon market.
Andreas Thorud has been an integral part of the Norwegian Seafood Council where he held the position of Head of the Seafood Council's overall operations in China.
Mr. Thorud has accumulated extensive experience within Chinese business life and culture, offering valuable insights into the Chinese seafood market and the local consumer market.
Prior to his role at the Seafood Council, Andreas Thorud spent a decade overseeing Aker BioMarine's operations in China and other key Asian markets, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned professional in the industry.
Andreas Thorud's educational background includes studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and [BI/NMH] in Oslo, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and development.
Arne Knudsen
Technical Expert, NAN
Arne Knudsen is a Norwegian citizen but has lived and worked in China for 20 years. He has held various management positions while working in China, most of them as General Manager of TTS Marine, where Mr. Knudsen was in charge of setting up their entire business operations.
Arne Knudsen is a Norwegian citizen but has lived and worked in China for 20 years. He has held various management positions while working in China, most of them as General Manager of TTS Marine, where Mr. Knudsen was in charge of setting up their entire business operations. Before moving to China, Mr. Knudsen has worked in senior positions mostly related to the marine industries, and held senior positions for companies such as Reber Shindler Heis AS, Hydralift ASA, Hydralift Marine AS and TTS Marine ASA.
Mr. Knudsen holds a Machinist exam, Maritime school in Kristiansand, and is a certified Engine and Construction /Design engineer from Ålesund College.
Catherine Shen
Chief Administration Officer, NAN
Catherine Shen is a Chinese citizen, residing in Ningbo. Ms. Shen has extensive experience from setting up and holding management positions with foreign companies operating in China.
Catherine Shen is a Chinese citizen, residing in Ningbo. Ms. Shen has extensive experience from setting up and holding management positions with foreign companies operating in China. Ms. Shen has been instrumental in the structuring and development of the company. Ms. Shen has long experience in liaising and negotiating with government authorities and bureaus and possesses an in depth understanding of applicable rules and regulations, taxes and duties, financing and HR related issues.
Ms. Shen holds an MBA from BI – Fudan University, a Master's Degree from BI Norwegian Management School, and a Bachelor of laws, where she majored in international business law from the University of International Business and Economics.
Ola Frøvik
Farm Manager, NAN
Ola Frøvik is a Norwegian citizen, (born 1983) with more than 11 years of RAS salmon farming experience. He has held various positions within the industry, including positions as Managing Director of Vågafossen Settefisk AS and as Operation Manager for MOWI, Vågafossen
Ola Frøvik is a Norwegian citizen, (born 1983) with more than 11 years of RAS salmon farming experience. He has held various positions within the industry, including positions as Managing Director of Vågafossen Settefisk AS and as Operation Manager for MOWI, Vågafossen. As Farm Manager, Ola will be responsible for the entire RAS operation, including the important task of implementing best farming practices and training local RAS operators.
Ola Frøvik has during his carrier within the aquaculture industry attended a variety of programs and courses at University Nord, NTNU and UIB within production biology, fish health and WM6010-RAS.
Johan Toftegaard
RAS and fish production expert, NAN
Johan Toftegaard (born 1967) has more than 20 years of experience in producing salmon in RAS systems. He comes from the position as Freshwater Manager in MOWI Faroe Islands.
Johan Toftegaard (born 1967) has more than 20 years of experience in producing salmon in RAS systems. He comes from the position as Freshwater Manager in MOWI Faroe Islands.
He is a mechanical engineer and has been responsible for the construction of several land-based systems in MOWI and as a consultant in other companies.
Johan will assure that his extensive experience and knowhow are considered during design and construction of the RAS system and be responsible for setting up and implementing RAS operational procedures and practices.
Matthew Bell
Technical Manager, NAN
Matthew Bell is a British citizen, with a solid mechanical engineering background, specialising in remote area work. Matthew gained his experience in RAS farming in Arctic Norway.
Prior to working with RAS farming, Matthew worked as a mechanical engineer for the British Antarctic Survey, maintaining and building mechanical systems at a research station and also in deep field Antarctica.
He has also experience as technical specialist / trainer for a German mechanical handling company.
Matthew is a qualified mechanical engineer from the Barnfield Technical College, UK.
Yong Tan
Construction Quality Manager, NAN
Yong Tan is a Chinese Citizen, residing in Shanghai. Mr. Tan has 20 years experience in quality management and project management in various multinational companies, with more than 10 years in management position.
Yong Tan is a Chinese Citizen, residing in Shanghai. Mr. Tan has 20 years experience in quality management and project management in various multinational companies, with more than 10 years in management position.
Mr. Tan is good at quality management, problem solving, process improvement, team management and data analysis. He has extensive project management experience mainly in shipbuilding, offshore, and oil & gas industries.
Mr. Tan is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO9001 lead auditor, and holds a College Diploma in Marine Engineering from Bohai Shipbuilding Vocational College and an MBA from Shanghai University.
Vanessea Liu
Senior PR Executive, NAN
Vanessa brings a wealth of experience in PR and branding particularly in the premium seafood segment within China. Her expertise will be pivotal in enhancing the brand image and marketing efforts for Nordic PureAtlantic, and ensuring the company’s high-quality land-based Atlantic salmon resonate strongly with Chinese consumers.
Vanessa brings a wealth of experience in PR and branding particularly in the premium seafood segment within China. Her expertise will be pivotal in enhancing the brand image and marketing efforts for Nordic PureAtlantic, and ensuring the company’s high-quality land-based Atlantic salmon resonate strongly with Chinese consumers.
Morten Westby
Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, NAN
Morten is a seasoned executive in the seafood industry with extensive experience in the Chinese market. He previously served as the VAP Asia Manager at Lerøy, where he played a crucial role in expanding their footprint across Asia. Morten's deep understanding of the seafood sector and his strategic acumen make him an invaluable addition to the Nordic Aqua team.
Morten is a seasoned executive in the seafood industry with extensive experience in the Chinese market. He previously served as the VAP Asia Manager at Lerøy, where he played a crucial role in expanding their footprint across Asia. Morten's deep understanding of the seafood sector and his strategic acumen make him an invaluable addition to the Nordic Aqua team.