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Viking Aqua director moves on to lead sheep and goat farming association

Borghild Hillestad, former fish welfare director of Viking Aqua, is pursuing a “dream job” with the Norwegian Association of Sheep and Goat Farmers (NSG).

Hillestad announced the move on LinkedIn on Feb. 29 that she has taken on the role of general manager at NSG based in Ås municipality in Norway. She officially begins in this role on March 4.

Hillestad confirmed with RAStech Magazine that she still plans on maintaining a role with Viking Aqua as an external consultant and intends to keep collaborating whenever the company needs it.

“It has been a fantastic journey with innovative Viking Aqua AS, with a refreshing vision of a high focus on fish welfare, sustainability and data-driven technology. It has been great colleagues and partners, and an adventure to be a part of. Thank you so much, everyone,” Hillestad wrote on LinkedIn (translated from Norwegian).

Viking Aqua is developing a 33,000-ton facility in Skipavika, Norway that touts itself to be the “next generation RAS for Atlantic salmon.” The project was originally slated to begin construction in fall 2023, but the company is currently working to raise capital.

As NSG general manager, Hillestad will be involved in providing financial support for small cattle farmers.

“This is a dream job and a fantastic opportunity. I am looking forward to working for a forward-looking organization in an industry with so many opportunities, for example in sustainability, breeding and genetics, animal welfare, biotechnology, innovation and development,” Hillestad said in a company press release (translated from Norwegian).

NSG Chairman Ronald Slemmen said he has high expectations, on behalf of the board and the entire organization, after the general secretary retired before the New Year.

“With her on the team, we will lift ourselves up. She stands for innovative thinking and has future plans for the entire organization,” Slemmen said in a company press release (translated from Norwegian).