• This action marks a gradual and planned organizational shift of resources from Norway to the Asian country
The Norwegian company Proximar Seafood announced some days ago a new organizational structure, with a new CFO starting in Japan next 1 December. While Ole Christian Willumsen has tendered his resignation from his position, Tetsuya Kobayashi will assume the role as CFO in Proximar Ltd, the wholly owned daughter company in Japan. They reported that this action marks a gradual and planned organizational shift of resources from Norway to Japan.
Proximar reported that Kobayashi has extensive experience in finance and banking, including senior roles in Mizuho Securities, HSBC Securities and RBS Securities. He has held roles as head of both debt- and equity capital markets, and most recently, as CFO in a start-up company.
“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Kobayashi to join us and to take part in shaping Proximar‘s next era and further strengthening our team here in Japan – in line with our strategy”, said Joachim Nielsen, CEO of Proximar.
Entire Management Team Transferred to Japan
Willumsen, for his part, has tendered his resignation from his position as CFO in Proximar in order to pursue opportunities outside of the company. The executive has been with Proximar and held the position as CFO since August 2023, and he is currently the only employee left in Norway as the company has transferred its entire management team to Japan according to plan. He will stay in his position until end of January 2026.
“Ole Christian has done an excellent job as CFO of Proximar and I would like to express my gratitude for his dedication and contribution from Proximar‘s stage as a development company, to its current position with the facility fully operational and supplying fresh fish to the Japanese market», commented Nielsen, after the news was released.
“Proximar has a unique position in land-based fish farming in Japan and an exciting future ahead of it. It’s now time for me to pursue new opportunities, but I will do my utmost to ensure a smooth handover and will continue to cheer from the sidelines”, assured Willumsen.
It has been established that Kobayashi will assume the role as CFO in Proximar Ltd., the wholly owned daughter company in Japan, starting 1 December 2025, providing ample time for a thorough handover process.
IFFO Tokyo International Conference
Some days after the news was released the company participated at the Japan Session of the IFFO Tokyo International Conference. There, the Managing Director of the company, Yoshihito Ito, introduced Proximar’s business and recent achievements. The presentation highlighted that the company has shipped over 1,000 tons of Atlantic salmon in the past year, earning strong recognition in the Japanese market.
During the conference dinner, guests enjoyed Japan-produced Atlantic salmon, which received wonderful feedback.
Financial Results for the Third Quarter
After the participation at the Conference, Proximar Seafood invited the public to the presentation of its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. The results will be presented by CEO Joachim Nielsen and CFO Ole Christian Willumsen through a webcast, where written questions could be submitted. The report will be soon available at the company’s website. A recorded version of the presentation will also be available after the stream.
One of the World’s Most Important Fish Markets
Let’s remember that Proximar Seafood is a Norwegian land-based salmon farming company with its first production facility and production at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan. The company inserted its first batch of eggs in October 2022 and carried out its first harvest on 30 September 2024.
Proximar’s brand and logo – Fuji Atlantic Salmon – were officially launched in October 2024 at their partner Marubeni Corporation’s head quarter in Tokyo. Through land-based salmon farming, using high-quality groundwater secured close to Mount Fuji, the company produces fresh Atlantic Salmon, harvested the same day. Proximar’s location, near one of the world’s most important fish markets, implies significant advantages, both in terms of reduced cost and carbon footprint.
