CAPE TOWN: Felix Ratheb, CEO of seafood giant Sea Harvest in South Africa, has been elected Chairman of the Groundfish Forum. He replaces Klaus Nielsen, CEO of Espersen in Denmark, who has been at the helm of the organization for thirteen years.
The Groundfish Forum brings together 300 seafood executives from across the globe on an annual basis to discuss trends in supply and disposition of seafood, as well as consumer behaviour and demand dynamics. It is governed by a Council represented by the largest seafood companies around the globe and appoints an Executive Committee to run the affairs of the Forum. Ratheb has attended each forum since 2006 and was appointed to the executive committee in 2016.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Ratheb said, “It is truly an honour to be appointed Chair of an association that is represented by seafood executives globally. To be recognized by your peers is truly something special and I will ensure that we continue to do the excellent work of our predecessor, Klaus Nielsen. I would like to thank the executive and the Council for the support and trust in me.”
Notes for the editor:
- Sea Harvest Group was founded in 1964 and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock exchange in South Africa.
- The company employs 6000 staff and has fishing and aquaculture operations in South Africa and Australia.
- Its primary species are Hake, Horse Mackerel, Prawns and Abalone.
- It owns and operates 51 vessels, 5 fish processing facilities and two abalone farms.
- Felix Ratheb holds an Electrical Engineering degree with Honours and an MBA. He joined the Group in 2003 and was appointed CEO in 2013. Mr Ratheb was responsible for the listing of the company in 2017 and the subsequent growth of the Group both in South Africa and Australia.
- He served on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Board and is a former Chairman of the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association. He joined the Groundfish Forum executive board in 2016 and held the role of treasurer on the executive committee.
Issued by:
Anthea Abraham,
Sea Harvest Group Corporate Affairs Manager
AntheaA@SeaHarvest.co.za
www.seaharvestgroup.co.za