Mowi Canada East appoints Managing Director
July 10, 2022
Mowi Canada East is pleased to announce the appointment of Gideon Pringle as Managing Director.
Educated at the University of Aberdeen with a Degree in Marine & Fisheries and Biology and PhD in Atlantic salmon genetics, Gideon brings with him 37 years of practical salmon aquaculture experience in various departments including breeding, broodstock, freshwater and seawater development, and fish health.
Speaking of his appointment, Gideon says: “Both Canada East and Scotland share the North Atlantic Ocean and, not surprisingly, also share many of the same farming challenges. During my time in the aquaculture sector, I have come to realize that there is no single formula about how to farm salmon – they can be farmed in many different ways, equally successful. The key is to be knowledgeable, adaptable and most important have the best team of people. I am very happy to rejoin Mowi and be a part of this very motivated team that will lead Canada East to realize its full potential.”
Ben Hadfield, COO for Mowi’s Scotland, Ireland, Faroese and Canada East farming regions, is pleased to see the close cooperation and learning between regions, stating: “We have a strong team in Canada East, and we also have the added advantage at Mowi to augment and support our operations with experienced salmon farmers. I believe we now have established the best possible team that will work hard and smart, safely and at pace to realize the success we know is possible in Canada East and specifically the southern coast of Newfoundland.”
Acknowledging the historical challenges in the region, Ben adds: “Atlantic Canada’s extreme coastal water temperatures are a challenge to fish for sure, but these temperatures and such vast geography also create real opportunity for our company, our employees, and the communities in which salmon farming is a valued and integral part of society.”
The internal appointment of Kristina White as Interim Managing Director (announced July 8) supports the company’s directive to develop the strongest possible operational team. Kristina is an adept administrator and a strong leader within the Canada East Management Team, and is well respected by her Mowi colleagues.
Also joining the Canadian team is Kris Laird as Seawater Production Director. Kris moved from Mowi’s operations in The Western Isles (Scotland) to Canada in January, and is working closely with local area managers in New Brunswick and Newfoundland: Allene Barrett, Harvey Jensen and Murray Bungay.
Gideon Pringle was announced as Managing Director for Canada East during a company-wide meeting with all staff held last week and will move to Canada immediately following receipt of required Canadian work permits.