Kingfish Company names new CEO
Experienced food, beverage, and nutrition executive Karl Buiks will succeed Vincent Erenst
Netherlands seriola farmer The Kingfish Company has selected Karl Buiks as its new chief executive, effective January 1, 2026.
Buiks, who will replace retiring CEO Vincent Erenst, has more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors, with senior roles at PepsiCo, Netherlands-based dairy giant FrieslandCampina, and Ireland’s Kerry Group.
The Kingfish Company, which grows yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Zeeland, said Buiks has a consistent track record of delivering revenue growth, margin improvement, and operational transformation.
Strategic discipline
“Karl brings the strategic discipline, operational rigour, and brand-building expertise required to drive The Kingfish Company’s next phase of performance and growth,” said Jeroen Scheelbeek, chair of the company's supervisory board.
Buiks said he was honoured to join The Kingfish Company at a pivotal moment.
“The company has strong fundamentals, a differentiated market position, and significant untapped potential. My focus will be on sharpening our strategy and driving disciplined growth that strengthens value for our shareholders, partners, and customers,” he added.
Karl brings the strategic discipline, operational rigour, and brand-building expertise required to drive The Kingfish Company’s next phase of performance and growth.
“The company has successfully created a technology and business model that leads to a brighter future for our oceans and food systems at large. I look forward to being a part of it.”
Smooth transition
Current CEO Erenst will continue to support the team and work closely with his successor to ensure a smooth transition, starting from December 1, 2025.
“The supervisory board wishes to express its appreciation to Vincent for his outstanding leadership, which was central to delivering the Phase 2 expansion and driving substantial revenue growth,” said Scheelbeek. “These achievements have left Kingfish in a strong position for the future.”
Last year The Kingfish Company made revenue of €28 million (€13.9 per kilo) and had underlying EBITDA, a measure of operating profit, of -€3.4m (-€1.7 per kilo), according to its 2024 annual report. It produced 2,483 tonnes of fish and sold 1,992 tonnes (whole fish equivalent).
The completion of phase 2 of its facility has given it a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes.
Higher sales, bigger loss
In the first half of 2025, The Kingfish Company achieved a new sales record with volumes reaching 1,301 tonnes, a 41% increase year-on-year. Revenue for the first half of the year was €17.0m, a 31% increase compared to H1 2024.
Operational EBITDA was -€2.0 per kilogram (H1 2024: -€1.1/kg). This was driven by a lower gross margin partially compensated by a reduction in selling, general and administration costs per kilogram as a result of higher volumes.
The company made a net loss after tax of €18.5m in H1 2025, an increase on the loss of €13.3m in the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher financing costs.
Earlier this month the company published a positive Q3 2025 trading update.
Highlights:
- Sales volume: 728 tonnes, up 42% (Q3 2024: 514 tonnes)
- Revenue: €10.2 million, up 39% (Q3 2024: €7.3m)
- Revenue per kg continues to recover at €14.0 (Q3 2024: €14.3), up €1.1 compared to Q1
- Farm operations: Returned to stable conditions, with a standing biomass of 911 tonnes and quarterly biomass growth of 639 tonnes
“Demand remained robust, particularly in the food service segment, while promotional activities in retail eased compared to earlier in the year,” the company said.