MERVYN KING VISITS HB GRANDI

Mervyn King visits HB Grandi. Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England paid Icelandic fishing company HB Grandi a visit recently by the invitation of the Association of Savings Holders lecturing on Economic Policy in Turbulent Times.

Guðmundur Kristjánsson, CEO of HB Grandi, received Mr. King and his wife Barbara at Reykjavík Harbour and they went on board on one of the company’s new trawlers, Akurey RE.

They also had a brief look at the fish processing facilities on land and Mr. King commented on the high level of technology the company applied to both fishing and fish processing.
Guðmundur Kristjánsson presented to Mr. King the financial operations of HB Grand and the framework for the seafood industry in Iceland, the fishing control system and the history of Iceland´s utilization of the resources of the sea. Over lunch, there were discussions on sustainable harvesting of natural resources, global economic affairs and the development of the financial system.

Mervyn King is one of the most respected economists of our times. He became in 1991 the Chief Economist of the Bank of England and served as the Governor from 2003 until he retired in 2013. He was at the helm of the Bank of England during the crises of 2008 and oversaw the turmoil in the world´s biggest financial hub, London, and as such he was one of the most influential figures in Europe in the aftermath of that crisis. Since retiring Mr. King has been a frequent lecturer all over the world.

About HB Grandi

HB Grandi hf. is one of Iceland’s largest seafood companies. The company has a long history and extensive experience and expertise in the utilisation of natural resources and fish production, which is reflected in all its activities. The company focuses on sophisticated fishing and processing technology and continuous production development. The company produces high-quality products from the fresh wild fish caught in Icelandic waters. Respect for the environment and the marine ecosystem is the basis for all activities at HB Grandi, and every effort is made to respect the resource and operate responsible fisheries, for the benefit of future generations. HB Grandi emphasises corporate social responsibility, as it has always been the goal of the company that all its activities reflect its responsibility towards the marine resources and the community.

HB Grandi is engaged in the fishing and processing of groundfish and pelagic fish. The company employs approximately 800 people at sea and on land. The products are sold all over the world, with the largest markets being Europe, Asia and North America.

HB Grandi has integrated operations in fishing, processing and marketing in order to promote efficient production and ensure an unrestricted pathway from catch to markets. It is easy to trace the route of the product from delivery all the way back to the sea. The key to the company’s success lies in its excellent staff, both at sea and on land, who are committed to delivering quality products to buyers and consumers.

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