Benchmark chairman to stand down

The chairman of Sheffield-based aquaculture health, nutrition and genetics business Benchmark is to stand down.

Alex Hambro is to retire from the board to focus on other business interests and non-executive roles.

Benchmark said the search for his successor has begun.

Hambro said: “Since the IPO in 2013, Benchmark has created a unique group, comprised of a team of the most talented aquaculture professionals to be found anywhere in the world, and which would be impossible to replicate. Now that the strategic focus of the business has switched to the international integration of the operating divisions, I look forward to bringing my successor on board and ensuring a seamless handover.”

Benchmark said the process corresponds with the company’s ”ongoing transition from a phase of rapid acquisition-led growth since its IPO in December 2013, to one more focused on organic growth, integration and operational execution”.

The company said: “Over the last three years, Benchmark has built an international platform with strong market positions in health, advanced nutrition and genetics, that are each centred on the large and growing aquaculture market.

“The group is now focused on improving its profitability through leveraging its global platform and is reviewing its activities in areas that fall outside of aquaculture. As reported in our recent preliminary results, substantial progress is being achieved across all of the group’s activities.”