admin Susanne Arfelt Rajamand, the new CEO of Royal Greenland, is leveraging her vast international experience to guide the company into a future of innovation and sustainability. After spending 15 years in Singapore, she transitioned to Greenland in early 2023 to take the helm of one of the largest seafood companies in the world. Royal Greenland, based in the Arctic island, plays a crucial role in the global seafood market, particularly in supplying wild-caught seafood from the cleanest waters.
“Nature decides the speed of life in Greenland.”
– Susanne Arfelt Rajamand, CEO
The Unique Role of Seafood in Greenland’s Economy and Culture
For Greenland’s Arctic communities, seafood is far more than just a source of income; it is a way of life. Royal Greenland is the country’s largest employer, with over 1,390 of its 2,286 global workforce based on the island. The company is a cornerstone of the Greenlandic economy and plays a key role in maintaining local livelihoods. Arfelt Rajamand quickly realized that understanding the local culture and environment was key to steering Royal Greenland in the right direction. Her cosmopolitan experience, including 14 years at Unilever, gave her an appreciation for how deeply food is interwoven with national identity.
Living in a country where nature dictates the pace of life was a major adjustment for Arfelt Rajamand. “Everybody in Greenland knows that nature decides the speed of life,” she reflects. The long winters and harsh weather, in particular, required a shift in her mindset after her time in the tropical climate of Singapore.
Nature’s Influence on Operations
In Greenland, nature’s unpredictable patterns present both challenges and opportunities. Arfelt Rajamand learned quickly that flexibility and adaptability are essential when running a business in such a dynamic environment. “The first thing I had to adapt to was the weather—after 15 years in Asia, where it was 30 degrees every day, Greenland in February was a fair bit colder,” she notes.
The effects of climate and weather conditions are particularly significant in the seafood industry. The tides, weather, and seasons heavily influence the availability and quality of seafood, requiring a nuanced understanding of local conditions. As the global supply chain faces increasing pressures, the ability to manage relationships and maintain transparency with international partners has become crucial. Communication and education play vital roles in managing customer expectations, especially when delays or challenges arise due to infrastructure or environmental factors.
Strengthening Relationships with Fishermen
Royal Greenland places immense value on its partnership with local fishermen, recognizing their importance as the primary source of seafood. To enhance the working conditions and fishing practices, the company has invested in equipment upgrades. For example, the company introduced larger net cages that allow fishermen to keep fish alive until they are delivered to the processing facility. This method not only improves the quality of the catch but also reduces the physical strain on fishermen.
Arfelt Rajamand emphasizes the importance of sustainability in these practices. “When you’re in wild-caught seafood, you can’t just think one year to the next,” she says. “You have to think about the imprints that you make on the resource for 10 years, for 50 years, for 100 years ahead.” The company has also revamped its trawler fleet to be more fuel-efficient, helping to reduce its environmental footprint and improve overall sustainability.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Royal Greenland’s operations. In fact, the company dedicates one-third of its annual report to sustainable practices. Under Arfelt Rajamand’s leadership, the company is making strides to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of its business, particularly through its leadership team. The upcoming retirement of the Sales and Marketing Director has prompted a significant restructuring of the leadership team. New roles, such as the Executive Vice Presidents of Marketing and Sustainability, Global Sales, and People and Communication, will help ensure that sustainability remains a priority.
Arfelt Rajamand underscores the critical role that Royal Greenland plays in Greenland’s broader community. “Being such a significant player for a country gives a totally different shift to things,” she explains. The decisions made by Royal Greenland have far-reaching consequences, influencing everything from local job creation to community development. For Arfelt Rajamand, it’s not just about profitability—it’s about ensuring that the people of Greenland have the resources they need to thrive.
“If we do not deliver, it will have an impact on whether or not families can put food on the table in all of Greenland,” she states, highlighting the profound responsibility she feels.
“If we do not deliver, it will impact whether families can put food on the table in all of Greenland.”
– Susanne Arfelt Rajamand, CEO
Looking Toward the Future
Arfelt Rajamand brings a wealth of expertise to Royal Greenland, with a background in consumer marketing, brand strategy, and business development. She is passionate about creating value for customers, employees, and shareholders, all while contributing to a sustainable future for both society and the planet. With more than 20 years of experience in leading businesses in the food and consumer goods sectors, she is well-equipped to guide Royal Greenland toward continued success. Arfelt Rajamand’s vision for the company is centered around maintaining the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. As Royal Greenland continues to grow, it will rely on a workforce that is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices, innovation in production processes, and the well-being of the local communities it serves.
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