Matts Johansen on Leadership: Blending Personal Passion with Professional Purpose

As Aker BioMarine’s CEO, Matts Johansen is on a mission to improve human and planetary health. Leading the global krill company, which was named Norway’s most innovative business in 2017 and Europe’s most innovative business in 2018, Johansen is a natural risk-taker. Whether competing in an Iditarod race or sitting in the boardroom, as a former professional skateboarder, Johansen feels his business mindset has been influenced by the do-or-die determination he developed while skateboarding.

“Before you drop in from the top of a ramp, you have to be 100% focused on the trick you are going to do and be convinced that you can do it,” he said. “If you start doubting your ability, you will fall and fail. It is the same in business, you must be totally committed, and you have to go all in.”

Health E-Insights (HEI): Aker BioMarine is a leading human health and nutrition innovator developing marine-derived products for consumer health and nutrition. What is your main mission?

Johansen: The health and nutrition industry has evolved rapidly, and so have we. What began with a single ingredient, Superba Krill oil, has grown into a dynamic journey of innovation and expansion. That foundational product not only defined our early success but also set the stage for our transformation into a multi-ingredient leader in the global health ingredients space. Building on our deep expertise in krill, we have strategically broadened our portfolio with three breakthrough ingredients, each representing a bold step forward in science and health:

• Lysoveta — A revolutionary LPC (lysophosphatidylcholine) ingredient, Lysoveta is the first of its kind to reach the market, offering critical support for brain and eye health.
• Revervia — A high-concentration algal DHA oil, Revervia provides a sustainable, plant-based omega-3 solution.
• PL+ — A cutting-edge platform that enhances bioavailability by combining phospholipids with typically hard-to-absorb compounds, boosting absorption by up to 25x. Already commercially successful in the U.S. and Europe, PL+ has received industry accolades for its innovation.

At the heart of our growth is science. From day one, innovation has been the cornerstone of our business, enabling us to lead the krill category and evolve into a trusted, science-backed health ingredient company. Our research commitment spans over 200 global studies exploring krill’s benefits for both human and animal health. Today, we continue to push the frontiers of nutrition focusing on areas with the greatest potential for impact, including cognitive aging and brain health, skin health, women’s health, and sports nutrition.

Aker BioMarine is no longer just a krill company. We are shaping the future of health, one breakthrough at a time. With rising life expectancy, age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia are on the rise. We’re committed to addressing these challenges and exploring krill’s potential in other complex areas, such as autoimmune diseases like Lupus. As a biotech innovator and a leading global supplier of sustainable marine ingredients, our continued belief in enhancing human health continues to guide our work and our vision for a healthier future.

HEI: You are best known for manufacturing krill ingredients. What are the health benefits of krill?

Johansen: Backed by over a decade of scientific research from Aker BioMarine, Superba Krill has been shown to effectively raise omega-3 and choline levels in the body. Krill oil is recognized not just for heart, eye, and liver support, but also for its growing role in beauty, sports performance, and beyond. It’s more than a supplement. It’s a next-gen health solution redefining modern nutrition.

Krill oil isn’t just another omega-3 supplement, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Naturally rich in EPA, DHA, choline, and the antioxidant astaxanthin, it offers a unique blend of health-boosting compounds. What sets krill oil apart is its phospholipid form, which mirrors our cell membranes. This structure allows for superior absorption and delivery of nutrients directly into cells, supporting essential systems from within. At the heart of wellness is cellular health. Krill oil works at this foundational level to promote overall well-being and leading the way is Superba Krill, our premium, highly pure krill oil with a high concentration of phospholipids.

HEI: What is most important to your company: mission, core values, or vision?

Johansen: Our vision is clear, to improve human and planetary health. This drives our work with krill-derived omega-3s, aiming to support healthier, longer lives, especially as aging and chronic disease rise. Our mission is to deliver science-based, sustainable health solutions. Guided by sustainability, innovation, and performance, we push the boundaries of krill science supporting cognitive function, independence in aging, and even exploring autoimmune health. Sustainability isn’t just how we work. It’s why we exist. Through responsible harvesting and traceability, we protect our ecosystem while advancing health and nutrition. At every step, we’re committed to high-impact, sustainable innovation helping people live healthier, more resilient lives, and shaping the future of nutraceuticals.

HEI: You are an avid snowboarder and skateboarder. Recently, you participated in the Alaska Iditarod over a 7-plus day period. Has such competitiveness helped you become a better corporate leader?

Johansen: To be a great business leader, you must believe in what you produce, not just from a commercial standpoint, but from a personal one. For me, leadership means finding synergy between personal passion and professional purpose. When those two align, the impact is powerful.

I’ve built my career around embracing risk and saying yes to challenges. Whether it’s restructuring a business or entering uncharted global markets, I lead with conviction, knowing that real progress comes from bold, calculated action. That mindset has also driven me personally, like when I completed over 1,000 kilometers (621.371 miles) in the Iditarod through -50°C (-58°F) terrain. These extreme experiences aren’t just stories, they’re the foundation of how I lead with resilience, vision, and a readiness to go where others hesitate.

My early days as a skateboarder taught me persistence, adaptability, and the value of pushing boundaries and principles that now shape my decisions in the boardroom. Leadership, to me, means applying those lessons consistently, whether it’s in strategic business moves or personal endurance events.

This philosophy also fuels my belief in Aker BioMarine’s flagship product, Superba Krill oil. I’ve relied on it in the world’s toughest conditions, and that firsthand experience makes me both a confident advocate and a living example of its benefits. It’s not just a product, it’s part of how I stay mentally sharp and physically ready to lead at a high level. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to champion initiatives that authentically reflect who we are and what we believe in.

HEI: What might be the biggest challenge facing business leaders in today’s world?

Johansen: One of the biggest challenges facing business leaders today is adapting to rapid and continuous changes from technological disruption to geopolitical instability.  Advancements like AI and automation are transforming every industry, requiring constant innovation. Plus, geopolitical and economic volatility further compounds the challenge. At its core, the greatest leadership challenge is guiding organizations through uncertainty. This requires cultivating adaptive, resilient leaders capable of making bold, data-informed decisions during challenging times. It’s also about building organizational agility and sustaining trust and transparency in an unpredictable environment.

Aker BioMarine continues to thrive during uncertain times, balancing innovation and operational strength, as well as leveraging advanced technologies such as eco-harvesting vessels, machine‑learning‑driven drones, and digital data analytics to enhance efficiency and resilience. We have always kept sustainability at the heart of our strategic direction. Despite challenging times in the world, we are continuing to foster sustainable growth, enhance our global impact in human health and marine conservation, and create a forward‑leaning business that continues moving positively ahead.

HEI: Does having your headquarters in Norway and manufacturing in the U.S. pose challenges?

Johansen: We’re more than just a company. We’re a global frontrunner in nutraceutical innovation, driven by a clear vision to enhance human health. Our focus today is on delivering high-quality krill oil and algae oil products to customers across the globe. We proudly serve over 300 customers in more than 60 countries, supported by a diverse team of employees representing 30-plus nationalities. Looking ahead, staying agile and future-ready is essential. In a world marked by uncertainty and shifting economic dynamics, we’re committed to being the best possible partner for our customers. That’s why our manufacturing facility in Houston plays such a vital role. With full control over our supply chain, we offer the stability and innovation that companies need when working with marine-based ingredients.

HEI: What are Aker’s plans for growth over the next 18-24 months?

Johansen: For nearly two decades, Aker BioMarine has helped define the modern marine ingredient industry by taking bold risks, embracing change, and always staying ahead of the curve. But we’re not just reflecting on the past, we’re focused on what’s next.

What began with one pioneering product, Superba Krill oil, has evolved into a cutting-edge portfolio built on deep scientific expertise to shape the future of marine-based nutrition. As the health and wellness landscape accelerates, we are transforming from a krill oil innovator into a global science-driven powerhouse, advancing solutions for lifelong health. The next chapter is already in motion and it’s one of bold science, better health, and lasting impact.

HEI: Is there a golden rule by which you live? 

Johansen: Say yes and take risks. This can be transformative in both business and life. Often, the most significant breakthroughs and personal growth stem from stepping outside of your comfort zone. In business, taking calculated risks can lead to innovation, competitive advantage, and unexpected opportunities. Whether it’s launching a new product, entering an unfamiliar market, or collaborating with someone outside your usual circle, these moments of uncertainty often push you to think differently, adapt quickly, and develop resilience. Saying yes is not about being irresponsible, it’s about recognizing that growth seldom comes without some level of discomfort or uncertainty.

In life, the willingness to take risks opens the door to memorable experiences and deeper connections. Risk comes with change, and without change, there is no progress. By saying yes, you signal to yourself and others that you’re open to possibility. Over time, this mindset builds confidence, fosters creativity, and helps you develop a broader perspective. Ultimately, it’s the willingness to take chances that allows people to create lives and careers that are not only successful, but meaningful.

About the Author: Sheldon Baker is a full-time freelance writer who covers health and wellness and other fun topics for Nutraceuticals World, Rodman Media, and other publications. He’s based in Northern California near Yosemite National Park, and enjoys exploring worldwide destinations, especially New York City, Mumbai, India, and Sydney, AU. He’s also happy to hang out at home with his wife and the many young foster children in their care. Send him an email at sbaker@bakerdillon.com.