Bente E. Torstensen has been appointed as the new CEO of the Nofima research institute, following Øyvind Fylling-Jensen upon his retirement this summer.

“Bente has a solid research background. She also has plenty of management experience, a good network and an understanding of the industry’s needs,” said Thomas Farstad, chairman of the board. “Torstensen is a positive and engaging leader with visions for further developing Nofima.”

“I can’t wait to start my new job this summer. All credit to Øyvind Fylling-Jensen for the work he’s done continuously since 2009 that has resulted in today’s relevant and solid Nofima. My goal is to further develop Nofima as one of the world’s most recognized research institutes for sustainable food systems,” said Torstensen.

Bente Torstensen has worked at Nofima as division director for aquaculture since August 2017. Before that, she worked at Marine Harvest (now Mowi) and Nifes. At Nifes, she started as a researcher before progressing to senior researcher, research manager and research director.

Torstensen is a member of the portfolio board of HAV under the Research Council of Norway, a board member of NCE Seafood Innovation Cluster, the Aquaculture Station in Tromsø and chair/president of the European Aquaculture Society.

Torstensen will take over as CEO of Nofima and will continue as director of the aquaculture division in the period ahead.