Kontali names Kjerstad as next CEO

Seafood markets consultancy Kontali has appointed Kjetil Angell Kjerstad as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, starting from 1 April.

Kjerstad is currently Head of Business Development and Strategy at telecoms business Telia Norway. He was formerly Head of Google Ads in Norway and his career also includes roles with Microsoft Norway and Telenor.

Kontali provides analysis, insights and information for the global seafood market. The company has been majority-owned by Alytic since 2020 and since then has been undergoing what it calls a digital transformation.

Espen Zachariassen, Chairman of the Board of Kontali and CEO of Alytic, said: “The potential of Kontali is tremendous. By adding more technological and commercial competence to the world-leading seafood expertise already present in the company, the goal is to triple Kontali revenues within three years.

“Kjerstad knows how to commercialise technology in combination with content. He will be responsible for implementing a strategy to turn Kontali into the leading provider of data and insights for the global seafood market.”

Kjerstad lives in Oslo and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Oxford Brookes University. His training includes International Marketing at BI Norwegian Business School and Business Administration at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

He said: “Success starts with people. I am eager to meet and work together with the highly qualified team that has brought Kontali to a world-leading position. I am also impressed by the customer base of Kontali. I am looking forward to meeting with the customers and learn about the seafood industry and how Kontali can continue to add value for them. Together we will continue to drive the seafood industry forward – based on data, insight, and analysis.”