Hallvard Muri has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Aker BioMarine ASA. He takes over from Kjell Inge Røkke, who has led the biotechnology company since August 2008.
"We are very pleased with the appointment of Hallvard Muri. It is nice to see talented executives return to Aker, ready to take on new challenges,” says Leif-Arne Langøy, chairman of Aker BioMarine.
Kjell Inge Røkke will remain in charge of Aker BioMarine until Hallvard Muri starts his new position, as soon as possible.
"Hallvard Muri has the qualities and the energy needed to lift Aker BioMarine further. We know each other well from more than 10 years of working together. Hallvard has previously proved he can generate good results for Aker and the shareholders,” says Kjell Inge Røkke.
Mr Muri comes from the position of CEO of Constructor Group, Europe’s leading supplier of storage and archiving solutions. The core of this company is the former Aker Material Handling, which Aker sold in September 2007.
From the summer of 2003, Hallvard Muri led the turnaround of Aker Material Handling, returning the company to profitability and a leading market position in Europe. He held executive positions in Aker from 1995, including as CFO in American Seafoods Company in the US and executive vice president of Aker (2002-2003).
Aker BioMarine is focusing on krill and health products with the highest growth prospects.
"The current launch of the health product Superba™ marks the start of a new era for the company. Aker BioMarine has a strong position in the whole value chain – from sustainable krill harvesting in the Antarctic to direct sales of health products to US consumers. I am really looking forward to starting this new job,” says Hallvard Muri.
