Victoria Braathen has been appointed the Norwegian Seafood Council’s (NSC) new envoy to the United Kingdom.
She will start her position in London on Sept. 1, replacing Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, who has headed up the NSC’s marketing activities in the UK since September 2017.
Braathen brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with the NSC for six years holding various international posts, including director of the NSC in China until July 2021. Since then, she returned to Norway to be head of market access and manager for its operations in Norway, is now eager to step into the new role in one of the key markets for Norwegian seafood.
Said Braathen: “I’m delighted to join the team in the UK. Working with the seafood industry is a huge privilege and I very much look forward to getting to know the market and stakeholders more closely.”
Braathen, who comes from Tromsø, holds a law degree from the University of Bergen with a specialisation in commercial law and international law of the sea. She has previous experience as a political adviser to the Minister of Fisheries and the Mayor of Tromsø Municipality.
Continues Braathen: “Over the years, the NSC has collaborated with several key industry stakeholders in the UK. I’m excited to build on these great foundations and work together with importers, distributors, retail, and foodservice alike to further strengthen the seafood partnership between Norway and the UK.
“The UK is among Norway’s closest allies and one of Norway’s major trading partners. Our relationship is one we value, and I hope to build on the outstanding work already undertaken in this market, and further develop our position in an exciting and important territory for whitefish.”
Braathen looks set to hit the ground running with a host of ventures in the pipeline including sponsorships with the National Young Chef of the Year Awards and National Fish and Chip Awards. Plus, a royal visit celebrating innovation and collaboration between Norway and the UK, showcasing Norway’s greatest export and Britain’s favourite dish, fish & chips.
NFFF President Andrew Crook said ” Hans has been am amzaing ambassador for Norwegian seafood and has become a good friend to many in the industry, he will be a hard act to follow but having met Victoria on several occaisions now I am sure she will do am amazing job in the role and the NFFF look forward to working with Victoria and the team at the Norwegian Seafood Council.”