Benchmark brings together commercial and marketing organisations

UK-based aquaculture biotechnology company Benchmark Holdings plc announced that it has joined its commercial and marketing teams across Genetics and Health to support Benchmark’s complete Atlantic salmon product portfolio, creating a single point of contact for its customers.

Benchmark brings together commercial and marketing organisations
Birgitte Sørheim and Geir Olav Melingen

As part of this initiative, earlier this year, Birgitte Sørheim was appointed Marketing Director, Salmon. To further develop a customer-centric focus Geir Olav Melingen has now been appointed Commercial Director, Salmon. In his new role; Geir Olav’s responsibilities will include all of Benchmark’s Atlantic Salmon portfolio including genetics, Ectosan Vet®, CleanTreat® , Salmosan® Vet and Purisan®.

Trond Williksen, CEO of Benchmark Holdings plc says: “The new organisation of our commercial and marketing functions is an important step to strengthen our customer reach and interactions and our brand recognition within the Atlantic salmon segment. The two new teams are a part of our group’s strategy of ensuring a complete offering to our customers.”

Geir Olav Melingen comes from the position of Commercial Director for Benchmark Genetics and has extensive managerial experience from various leading roles in the aquaculture industry, including The Bergen Aquarium, MSD, Fishguard and SalmoBreed. Being an educated Fish Health Biologist with a PhD from The University of Bergen, Geir Olav is well suited to lead the new hub commercialising regulated pharmaceutical products.

Birgitte Sørheim, former Marketing Director for Benchmark Genetics, has had leading roles in sales and marketing in the salmon industry since the early 90s. Her career encounters positions in companies including Lerøy Seafood Group, Marine Harvest (now Mowi), and Fish Pool. Birgitte holds a Bachelor in Aquaculture Engineering from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and an MBA in Brand Management from The Norwegian School of Economics.