What’s your job title?
Benchmark Genetics Chile General Manager
How long have you been with Benchmark and what made you join?
I was just recently celebrating my first year in Benchmark (May 1st).
I´m a very good friend of Matias del Campo, who is the former General Manager. He left the company and recommended me to apply for the position. I spent almost 7 years in my previous position as Technical Manager of a salmon company, and I was looking for new challenges. I wanted to join a global company, in a manager role, and I had previous experience in genetics and breeding…so I thought I could fit as General Manager!
Can you describe your role?
We are a small company in Chile, we started operations (independent from AquaChile) in July 2019, and we are still implementing our production scheme. We have to deal on a daily basis with several topics – both egg production and sales, meeting the team and customers, but also consider all the aspects for a normal operation. Human resources needs, team building, but also suppliers, payments, budget, and so on. Very dynamic but so motivating!
Where are you based?
Most of the time I’m based at our Headquarters located in Puerto Varas, a small town located 1000 Km south from Santiago (Chile’s Capital). On a weekly basis I also try to visit both of the facilities we are operating here in Chile; Ensenada (located 55 Km from Puerto Varas) and Curacalco (located 350 Km north from Puerto Varas).
What’s your favourite part of the role?
To lead this great team on establishing and consolidating Benchmark Genetics Chile operations.
It is a great opportunity to make decisions, to meet clever colleagues and to establish common quality standards.
Tell us about the people you work with?
We are 41 people in total, which are mainly facilities workers. Additionally we have an administration and management team. We also have different areas as production, genetics and cryo preservation, data analysis and control, and health and quality. We also have external support on payroll, accounting, health and safety and environmental aspects.
We are a super well qualified and committed team!
What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
To spend time with my family (I’m married to Valentina and we have two children, Simon and Olivia, 12 and 10 years old), and to do sport – I like running, cycling and snow skiing.
What makes you happy?
To see my kids and family happy.
To achieve goals.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Two alternatives:
- A summer resort with my family to relax and have some sun.
- A ski resort to enjoy downhill (also with family and friends)!
What are you most proud of?
My family.
But I’m also very proud about what we are building here at Benchmark Genetics Chile.
Favourite life motto?
“Never ever ever give up”.
