Seattle, Washington-based American Seafoods Group, a provider of sustainable protein and an at-sea processor of wild Alaska pollock and Pacific hake, has appointed Einar Gustafsson to CEO, effective upon completion of his transition. Gustafsson will succeed Mikel Durham.
“Einar brings to American Seafoods proven senior leadership and exceptional strategic capabilities in developing and growing worldwide seafood and fresh foods businesses,” said Scott Perekslis, member of the board of directors and managing partner of Bregal Partners. “Einar’s track record of success in building international brands will be vital as he leads the company through this next chapter of growth.”
“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead American Seafoods – with its impressive heritage and history – into a new era of growth. Wild-caught Alaska pollock and Pacific hake present delicious and great value protein offerings that sustainably feed the world, with strong demand and an appeal that truly crosses cultures and palates among consumers worldwide,” Gustafsson said.
Gustafsson comes to the company from the Americas and Europe division for Gong Cha, a bubble tea brand, where he held the position of CEO. Gustafsson was responsible for scaling the brand’s presence in the Americas and support its European expansion. Prior to that, Gustafsson was managing director at Bakkavor Asia, was the VP and general manager at American Pride Seafoods (a former division of American Seafoods) and before that, was president and CEO of Atlantic Coast Fisheries Corp.
Born in Iceland, Gustafsson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He began his career as a consultant at Deloitte Consulting within the Braxton Associates strategy division. While at Deloitte, Gustafsson was named a Deloitte scholar and graduated with an MBA from Columbia Business School.
As part of the senior leadership transition, Inge Andreassen, president of the American Seafoods Co. harvesting subsidiary, was promoted to COO at American Seafoods. Andreassen will continue as president and will also serve as the acting CEO until Gustafsson’s appointment is effective.
“The seafood industry and American Seafoods has been a huge part of my career. I am so invigorated with this new opportunity, as American Seafoods is in a strong position with terrific growth opportunities ahead. Einar shares the same passion for the business as I do, and this great partnership will have far-reaching impact for American Seafoods and our workforce in this exciting next chapter for the company,” said Andreassen.
For more information, visit americanseafoods.com.
