Maynard, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based genetically engineered farmed salmon producer AquaBounty Technologies has named a new CEO.
Effective 1 January, Sylvia Wulf will serve as the producer’s new CEO and executive director, while longtime CEO Ronald Stotish will move into a different role.
Currently, Wulf is a senior vice president and president of the manufacturing division at distributor US Foods, and she serves on the board of directors and the executive committee of the National Fisheries Institute. Wulf previously held senior positions at Tyson Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, and Bunge Corp.
Wulf’s “wide and deep experience in the food industry in North America and its fish sector will be a vital asset in the production and marketing of AquAdvantage Salmon and in the development of additional products,” Richard Clothier, chairman of AquaBounty’s board of directors, said in a statement.
Her appointment was “planned to coincide with the company’s developing emphasis on the commercialization of AquAdvantage Salmon, as the majority of the required regulatory hurdles have been passed,” AquaBounty said.
Stotish will shift into the role of executive director at AquaBounty, focusing on research and regulatory affairs.
“He will continue to work closely with the regulatory authorities involved in food and biotechnology in the United States, Canada, and other countries,” AquaBounty said. “He will also lead the continued technical development of new products and will work closely with Wulf in the planned expansion of the production organization both within North America and abroad.”
While AquaBounty is now selling its salmon in the Canadian market, the company's net loss has grown in 2018. However, Wulf said the company looks forward to “rapid growth” in the U.S. and abroad.
“AquAdvantage Salmon is the type of innovation necessary to meet the rising consumer demand for a healthy source of protein, and salmon in particular, without placing further pressure on the sea and coastal environments. I look forward to working with Stotish and the team to successfully commercialize it both in North America and abroad,” Wulf said.
