Erenst agrees to stay at helm of The Kingfish Company
Dutch land-based seriola farmer The Kingfish Company today announced that Vincent Erenst has agreed to extend his tenure as chief executive, at the request of the company’s supervisory board.
The extension will support continuity in the company’s leadership and provide a stable basis for the company to pursue its strategic, commercial and operational priorities, Kingfish Co said in a press release.
“I am pleased to continue leading The Kingfish Company and appreciate the trust from the supervisory board. The company has made important progress, and I look forward to working with our great customers and team and developing the company further. We believe we are well positioned to execute our ambitious growth strategy and create shareholder value,” said Erenst.
Finance boss moving on
Separately and unrelated, Jean-Charles Valette has decided to step down from his position as chief financial officer and member of the management board. To assist with a smooth transition, he will continue as CFO until the end of January 2027.
Thanking Valette, the supervisory board said the CFO had played an important role in the company's development since joining in 2022. During his tenure, the company expanded its operations, strengthened its organisation, and achieved several important financing milestones. Most recently, Valette played an instrumental role in the successful strategic financial restructuring and strengthening of the company’s balance sheet.
Erenst also thanked Valette for his important contribution.
Valette said that after “four intense and rewarding years” with The Kingfish Company, it was the right time to move on to a new chapter.
“I am proud of what we have built and achieved together, and it has been a privilege to contribute to the development of the business. Following the recent strengthening of the company’s financial position, I believe The Kingfish Company is well positioned for its next phase of growth and value creation,” said Valette.
Volume and revenue up
The Kingfish Company grows yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Zeeland, Netherlands. It sold 1,470 tonnes of fish in the first half of 2026, 13% more than in the same period last year. Revenue increased by 16% to €19.8 million.
Operational EBITDA came in at €0.2 million, compared with a loss of €2.5 million a year earlier. It is the first time the company has achieved positive operational EBITDA for a half-year period.
It nevertheless remained loss-making when depreciation, amortisation, impairments and other costs are included.
EBIT was minus €6.2 million, compared with minus €12.7 million in the first half of 2025. The difference between operational EBITDA and EBIT is mainly due to depreciation, amortisation and impairments, as well as exceptional costs related to the financing process.
