John Buchanan will transition to President and Chief Science Officer to advance scientific innovation and commercialization of genetic technologies, while Geir Olav Melingen joins as Chief Executive Officer of CAT Norway to lead global operations and growth.
Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), a global leader in genetic technologies for aquaculture, today announced a leadership transition designed to support the company’s continued growth and focus on genetic innovation. John Buchanan, who has led CAT as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since founding the company in 2012, will transition to President and Chief Science Officer (CSO). Under Buchanan’s leadership, CAT became a premier provider of genetic technologies for global aquaculture. Recognizing the growing demand for dedicated scientific leadership, Buchanan has made the decision to transition into the role of President and CSO.
Dr John Buchanan, CEO
During his tenure as CEO, John spearheaded major milestones, including the launch of CAT’s in-house genotyping capabilities and genetic improvement consultancy, the expansion of its wet-lab infrastructure across finfish and shrimp, and the development and patenting of novel sterility technologies. In his new role, Buchanan will build on this foundation, continuing to work closely with clients and stakeholders while focusing his energy on translating cutting-edge scientific innovation, including the commercialization of genome editing.
Simultaneously, Geir Olav Melingen will join as CEO of CAT Norway, expanding CAT’s global footprint, and bringing extensive experience across aquaculture, genetics, and commercial operations.
Geir Olav Melingen
“Leading CAT has been a privilege, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has built,” said Buchanan. “Leadership is about knowing when to evolve to create the most value for the organization. Recognizing the massive scientific opportunities ahead, now is the right time for me to move into the role of President and CSO. I am not stepping back from our mission. I am just shifting my focus to where I can make the biggest impact. By dedicating my full energy to shepherding our scientific breakthroughs, expanding our technology pipeline, and translating innovation to real commercial application. I look forward to driving the next era of commercial growth for our clients and shifting my focus to where I can make the biggest impact. By dedicating my full energy to shepherding our scientific breakthroughs, expanding our technology pipeline, and translating innovation to real commercial application, I look forward to driving the next era of commercial growth for our clients and the aquaculture industry more broadly.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Geir Olav to CAT and look forward to working alongside him as we enter this next phase,” added Buchanan. “His experience in aquaculture genetics and leadership will be invaluable as we bring more of our services to clients around the world and continue advancing productivity, animal welfare and sustainability.”
The new leadership structure supports CAT’s ongoing growth and advances its work in genetics, genomics and genome editing – helping clients around the world address some of aquaculture’s most important challenges.
Melingen joins CAT with a career spanning almost every aspect of aquaculture, including farming, veterinary medicines, teaching and journalism. He began working on his father’s salmon farm as a child and has continued to build his experience across the industry.
“I have worked across many different parts of aquaculture, and every role has given me new perspectives that I continue to use today,” said Geir Olav. “What has impressed me most about CAT is the depth of its scientific expertise and its practical approach to translating genetic technologies into solutions that meet the real needs of commercial aquaculture.”
In his new appointment, Melingen will lead CAT’s global operations, drive the company’s commercial growth and strengthen client partnerships. “CAT has an important role to play in shaping the future of aquaculture genetics,” adds Melingen. “I see enormous potential in combining our expertise in selective breeding, genotyping and genome editing to help more producers develop healthier, more productive and resilient animals. I’m looking forward to working with the CAT team and our clients to build on the strong foundation already in place to expand our market-leading technologies.”
“John and Geir Olav bring many strengths to CAT at an important time for the aquaculture industry,” said Donald Grant, Managing Director, Cuna del Mar. “John’s continued focus on clients, science and innovation, combined with Geir Olav’s commercial and industry experience, creates a strong platform for CAT’s continued growth and impact.”
CAT believes the potential of genetics to transform seafood production is significant – from improving animal health and welfare to increasing production efficiency and helping the industry produce more with fewer resources.