Magnús Bjarnason has been named as the new chief executive officer of the Icelandic Grouo, Reykjavík, Iceland, replacing the departing Lárus Ásgeirsson, who had held the position since 2011.
"I am very excited to be a part of Icelandic Group," Bjarnason said. "The organization is based on a solid foundation of quality infrastructure, has a recognizable international brand, and is supported by an exceptional team of dedicated professionals."
Bjarnason worked from 1997-2005 for the Icelandic Foreign Service as trade commissioner for North America, consul general in New York and deputy chief of mission in China. He has also served as executive vice president of the international division at Glitnir bank, and as CEO of Glacier Securities, a New York-based advisory firm that caters to the seafood and renewable energy industries.
Prior to taking the ceo position at Icelandic Group, he was a member of the executive committee and the managing director responsible for marketing and business development at Iceland's National Power Company, Landsvirkjun, a position he held since 2010. Icelandic Group's statement notes he initiated a strategy to expand and diversify the power company's product portfolio. But he joined the Icelandic Group board of directors last March.
"We are very pleased to welcome Magnus into Icelandic Group, as his valuable knowledge of the Icelandic and foreign fisheries sectors and extensive experience in international marketing will strengthen our already outstanding team," said Herdís Fjeldsted, chairman of the board.
