New General Manager of Aquaculture at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
“Jaco began specialising in King Salmon farming in 2002 at Benmore Salmon in Twizel - now a part of our operations. He knows the region, its people and has a deep understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in managing freshwater King Salmon. His strategic thinking, technical expertise and breadth of experience strengthen our leadership team as we continue to innovate and grow sustainably.”
New GM of Aquaculture at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon is pleased to welcome Jaco Swart, as GM of Aquaculture.
Jaco brings over 20 years’ experience in King Salmon farming, having held senior roles across leading salmon producers in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. His career spans farm management, production, technical operations and most recently, development manager for King Salmon farming at Sanford.
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon CEO David Cole says the move is a homecoming for Jaco.
“Jaco began specialising in King Salmon farming in 2002 at Benmore Salmon in Twizel - now a part of our operations. He knows the region, its people and has a deep understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in managing freshwater King Salmon. His strategic thinking, technical expertise and breadth of experience strengthen our leadership team as we continue to innovate and grow sustainably,” says David Cole.
Originally from South Africa, Jaco holds a Master of Agricultural Science majoring in Animal Physiology from the University of Stellenbosch. He began his aquaculture career researching rainbow trout farming with the South African Department of Agriculture which took him to Belgium, China, Chile, Australia and the United States. But it’s King Salmon from New Zealand that he is most passionate about.
“We are so fortunate to farm King Salmon. Most of the world's not interested in growing it, because it's so challenging to farm – but it's an exceptional product. One of the things I enjoy most about my job, is walking into a supermarket and seeing King Salmon and knowing that I had a small part in getting that fish onto the shelf,” says Jaco Swart.
Jaco takes over from Jon Bailey, who will continue with the company on a part-time basis as Programme Manager for Project Nautilus, a partnership project between Mt Cook Alpine Salmon and the Crown.
Jaco and his wife Marinē plan to move back to Twizel permanently in October and are looking forward to reconnecting with the community there.
“Twizel is an incredibly beautiful place with nice, warm summers and crisp, cold winters. We really enjoyed our time there – it’s a lovely community and we still know quite a few people,” says Swart.