By: Aker Qrill Company
The Guayaquil-born executive, with more than 20 years of experience in banking, aquaculture, animal nutrition, and production technology, will lead the strategic introduction and positioning of QRILL in the Ecuadorian market.
Aker Qrill Company has announced the appointment of Xavier Zurita as its new Country Representative for Ecuador, reinforcing the company’s commitment to one of the most important shrimp-producing markets in the world.
Xavier, 38, was born in Guayaquil. He holds a degree in IT Engineering and a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance. He is married and the father of two children. His professional background combines strong financial expertise with extensive experience in the productive sector, particularly in aquaculture.
He spent 11 years in the banking sector, working in financial and commercial roles at Ecuador’s two largest banks, where he advanced to positions linked to corporate banking.
He later built a 10-year career in the food sector, primarily in aquaculture. He worked in companies focused on both raw materials (commodities) and aquafeed production, where he led multiple commercial segments. This experience enabled him to gain a deep understanding of the different needs and realities of Ecuadorian shrimp producers.
Over the past two years, he was part an important technological company contributing to product design and development while leading the commercial strategy of one of the most sophisticated shrimp production software solutions in the industry. He also holds various specialized certifications in aquaculture and commercial team leadership.
Motivation and Strategic Vision
When asked about what motivates him most about working in the ingredient sector — and specifically at Aker Qrill Company — Xavier stated: “I am convinced that the aquaculture industry will continue to grow at an accelerated pace, as it has over the past decade. This growth requires the entire supply chain to be prepared to support increasing demand. In this context, Aker Qrill Company will play a key role by offering the industry a premium ingredient option that, thanks to its highly nutritional profile, will enhance aquafeed performance for shrimp.”
QRILL’s Contribution to the Ecuadorian Industry
According to Zurita, one of the main challenges facing the sector is the limited availability of traditional marine resources in Ecuador, which are not expanding at the same pace as the aquafeed industry.
“QRILL is a highly sustainable long-term resource. Its nutritional profile — particularly its functional lipids and short-chain peptides — provides superior palatability and improved nutrient absorption, qualities that only high-value marine ingredients can deliver. This will help generate new production milestones for Ecuador’s shrimp industry.”
In his new role, one of his primary objectives will be to position the QRILL brand in Ecuador and secure its strategic inclusion in early-stage shrimp diets.
“A major first step will be introducing the QRILL brand to Ecuador and demonstrating, through concrete production KPIs, the performance boost Qrill can deliver. The goal is to establish it as an essential ingredient in early-stage diets and gradually expand its inclusion in grow-out formulations with the country’s leading feed brands.”
With this appointment, Aker Qrill Company strengthens its presence in Latin America and reaffirms its commitment to Ecuador as a strategic market for the development of innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions for the shrimp farming industry.
