Sheffield-based Benchmark Holdings, the aquaculture health, genetics and nutrition firm, said on Tuesday its chief financial officer (CFO) Mark Plampin will step down from his current role “to pursue other opportunities.”

Benchmark describes its main products are “salmon eggs with superior genetic traits, specialist nutrition products for shrimp and fish, and health treatments including a sea lice treatment for salmon.”

AIM-listed Benchmark operates in 27 countries, employs 1,066 people and reported revenues of £151.5 million in 2018.

Plampin will continue in his role until a successor is appointed.

According to the company’s website, 64.78% of Benchmark’s shares are not in public hands. Major holders of its public shares include Norway-based firms Ferd AS and Kverva Finans AS as well as Invesco Asset Management and Lansdowne Partners.

“After nine years in the role of chief financial officer, during which time Mark has been an integral part of the team which led the group through its admission to AIM and the acquisitive and organic growth that followed, he has notified the board of his decision to step down to pursue other opportunities,” said Benchmark.

“The company has commenced an external search for a successor and a further announcement will be made in due course.”