BDO Consultings seafood team.
– We are advisors, but first and foremost we are people who understand what seafood companies are actually facing – whether it’s biological risk, profitability, or the road ahead, says Ellie Johansen.
As Head of Seafood at BDO Consulting, she leads a cross-disciplinary team that supports companies across the country with strategy, innovation, growth and development. What they all have in common is a deep, insider understanding of the seafood industry.
Through targeted efforts over time, BDO Consulting has established itself as one of the industry-leading players in advisory services for the seafood sector – with a team that combines strong professional expertise, broad business understanding and hands-on experience.
– It creates a completely different kind of trust when we enter a company. Our clients quickly notice that we don’t need to be trained in how production works or what a permit actually means in practice.
Around Ellie, we find Morten Andersen, a former factory manager in the fishing industry and one of the most experienced advisors on the team. He has extensive experience in project and process management and knows the public support system inside and out.
Alongside him is Morten Lernes, who has a background in aquaculture operations, management and business development. He has personally led the production of Atlantic salmon and now focuses particularly on strategy and technological development within the industry.
The youngest member of the team – but equally committed – is Helene Sørvik Stavland, a qualified fisheries candidate specialising in seafood. She has worked within the industry and participated in exchange programmes to Japan and Sri Lanka, and closely follows developments in the global seafood market.
– It’s the combination that is our strength. We have different backgrounds and perspectives, but share the same curiosity and commitment to supporting the industry’s progress, says Ellie.
Ellie has an academic background in biology and sustainable food production, and industry experience from companies including Mowi, the world’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon.
– BDO Consulting’s seafood team doesn’t work on just one type of assignment. Quite the opposite. Some days are about sustainability and fish health. Other days involve applications, process management, investments or restructuring.
– What matters is that what we deliver truly adds value. We’re not here to produce reports for the sake of it. We aim to contribute to development that is felt – and implemented," says Ellie.
The team often takes on the role of sparring partner, project manager or bridge-builder between the client and public support agencies. They understand both the pace and complexity of the industry – and know how to make things happen.
– Many of our clients have been with us for several years. That changes the nature of the collaboration. You dare to think bigger, and we’re able to challenge more. That’s how the best results are achieved.
We believe that offering both subject-matter expertise and industry insight is the recipe for success.
On assignments, the seafood team often works closely with other internal teams at BDO.
– By collaborating with other specialist teams within BDO, we strengthen our delivery and can offer a broader range of services to our seafood clients, says Ellie.
BDO’s seafood team often delivers projects in close collaboration with other specialist areas within the company, such as legal experts, economists, auditors and sustainability professionals. This interdisciplinary approach provides clients with comprehensive and tailored solutions. At the same time, the team also has experience in carrying out independent projects within its area of expertise, and can quickly mobilise competence and capacity when needed.
The seafood industry is undergoing major changes. New requirements. New markets. New production methods. That’s precisely why it’s important to have advisors who can see both the bigger picture and the finer details.
– Our goal is not to take control. Rather, we aim to ensure that companies have a solid foundation for decision-making – and a sparring partner who understands what they’re facing. We’re on the same team as our clients, says Ellie.
Wondering what motivates the team?
– We work with people who are passionate about what they do, in an industry that means a great deal to coastal Norway. It’s both challenging and rewarding. And that’s why we never run out of energy, she concludes with a smile.
