Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson appointed director of Marine Research Institute

Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson has been officially appointed as the director of the Marine Research Institute, a position he will hold for the next five years. He has been serving as the acting director of the institute since October 2025.

The appointment was made by Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, the Minister of Industries, following a thorough evaluation of eight candidates. A three-member advisory committee assessed the qualifications of each applicant before the final decision was made.

Guðmundsson holds a master's degree in electrical engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona, and an AMP degree from the same institution. His career includes significant leadership roles, such as leading sustainable development at the Prime Minister's Office from 2022 to 2025 and heading Grænvang, a collaboration platform for climate issues, from 2019 to 2021.

His professional background also encompasses serving as CEO of HB Grandi hf. from 2005 to 2012, CEO of N1 hf. from 2012 to 2016, and CEO of the innovation company eTactica ehf. He also worked as a consultant for IceCure ehf. and Philips Electronics, including a role as business development manager in the United States. Guðmundsson has also held various board and trustee positions, including chairman of the Reykjavík City Theatre and board member for Landsnet, HB Grandi hf., and Brimi hf.