Benchmark Genetics Welcomes Kristian Botnen as New CEO
Date: November 3, 2025
Benchmark Genetics has officially announced the appointment of Kristian Botnen as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from November 3rd, 2025. Bringing a wealth of experience from the aquaculture sector, Botnen aims to spearhead the company’s next phase of growth and innovation, reinforcing its position as a global frontrunner in aquaculture genetics.
Leadership Background
Kristian Botnen previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer at AKVA Group, a renowned provider of aquaculture technology solutions, starting in 2022. His career trajectory also includes significant leadership positions at Lingalaks, a prominent Norwegian fish farming company, where he served as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. With a solid background in finance and banking, Botnen transitioned into management roles that enhanced his operational and strategic expertise in the aquaculture industry.
Operational Excellence and Vision
Throughout his career, Botnen has demonstrated a commitment to delivering operational excellence while achieving financial and sustainability goals. He has a proven track record of building high-performance teams focused on innovation and success.
Kristian Botnen’s Vision
In his first statement as CEO, Botnen expressed his enthusiasm about joining Benchmark Genetics:
“I am honored to join Benchmark Genetics at such an exciting time for the company and the industry. Benchmark Genetics has an exceptional team, cutting-edge science, and a strong global footprint. I look forward to building on this foundation to deliver even greater value to our customers, enhance sustainability across aquaculture, and strengthen our role as a trusted partner to the industry.”
Endorsement from Novo Holdings
Aleks Engel, Partner at Novo Holdings, shared the board’s excitement about Botnen’s appointment:
“The board of directors and Novo Holdings are thrilled to welcome Kristian as the CEO of Benchmark Genetics. He combines commercial, operational, and financial acumen with deep industry knowledge. We are confident that Kristian, together with the rest of the management team, will lead Benchmark Genetics into a new and exciting era capitalizing on new genomic breeding technologies, enabling our customers to feed the world more efficiently and sustainably. We look forward to seeing long-term partnerships with Benchmark Genetics’ global customer base grow even deeper in the coming years.”
About Benchmark Genetics
Benchmark Genetics is a leading provider of genetic solutions for the aquaculture industry. The company specializes in multiple in-house breeding programs for Atlantic salmon and shrimp, focusing on enhancing genetic performance, sustainability, and biosecurity. Operating in key aquaculture markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Benchmark Genetics serves customers in over 50 countries and offers a comprehensive range of genetic and genotyping services for various aquaculture species worldwide.
Learn More
For further information, visit www.bmkgenetics.com.
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