October 16, 2023

Nordic Aqua Partners appoints new managing director for China operations

Nordic Aqua Partners — which aims to provide the Chinese market with Atlantic salmon farmed in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, China — has announced the appointment of Andreas Thorud as the company's new managing director for its overall operational activities in China.

With a 17-year professional career in China, Thorud brings high expertise and a deep understanding of the Chinese business landscape and the salmon market.

"We are thrilled to welcome Andreas Thorud to the Nordic Aqua Partners team," said Nordic Aqua Partners chief executive officer Ragnar Joenson. "He possesses a profound knowledge of the salmon market, Chinese consumer behavior, working closely with Chinese Governmental Organisations and long-term industry trends. His extensive background in the Chinese seafood industry, coupled with his fluency in the language, Mr. Thorud will be an all-important resource in driving Nordic Aqua Partners' growth and success in this dynamic and strategically important market."

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.

Prior to his role at the Seafood Council, he 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.

Thorud's educational background includes studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and [BI/NMH] in Oslo.

Thorud will assume his role in the coming months. In this capacity, he will report directly to Joensen.

"In addition to collaborating closely with Andreas and the rest of the team on developing the salmon production site in Ningbo, China, I will focus particularly on advancing Nordic Aqua's ambitious growth plans, with a specific goal of reaching 20,000 tonnes and exploring opportunities to expand to 50,000 tonnes," said Joenson.

- Nordic Aqua Partners