Benchmark names Williksen as next CEO

Aquaculture group Benchmark Holdings tapped Trond Williksen as its next chief executive officer on Tuesday, with effect from 1 June.

Williksen, the former CEO of Norwegian fish farm company SalMar, will replace Peter George, who will revert to his former position as non-executive chairman.

George said Williksen brought "deep, relevant aquaculture expertise" and "proven operational, strategic, M&A, and managerial experience" in the industry to the AIM-listed group.

George said: "I am confident that under his leadership and with his industry expertise, Benchmark will emerge from the current more difficult environment to realise its potential to become a profitable leading provider of sustainable solutions to the global aquaculture industry."

As of 0900 BST, Benchmark shares were up 4.72% at 27.75p.