Kaldvik salmon chief in sudden departure

An Oslo Stock Exchange announcement said the board of directors and the CEO himself had agreed he should step down with immediate effect.

Rikardsen has a long history in the aquaculture industry and formerly held key positions with Grieg Seafood and Salten N950. Kaldvik announced his appointment in February last year, but he did not take up the post until the following September.

Kaldvik, which formerly traded as Ice Fish Farm, operates two farming facilities in Iceland—one on the south coast and another on the north coast.

Two months ago Kaldvik successfully raised £38.8m in just over 48 hours, through the issue of new shares.

 The Oslo Stock Market report said: “Vidar Aspehaug will take the role as interim CEO while the board initiates the search for a new permanent CEO.”

Vidar Aspehaug joined the company in 2022 and has been part of its executive management for the last three years, with responsibility for the fish health and quality management teams. He holds a doctor’s degree in fish health from the University of Bergen and he is the founder and former CEO and CBDO of PatoGen AS, which is the most renowned fish health laboratory in Norway.

Kaldvik chairman Asle Rønning said: "We are grateful for Roy-Tore’s contribution to the company in the transitional period following the resignation of the former CEO and founder."

Rikardsen added: “I have been privileged to work with fantastic colleagues in Kaldvik AS and both the company and the industry will have a great future in Icelandic business life the coming years."

The former CEO will remain available to the company until the end of February 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.