M&A and Leadership in the Seafood Industry

Discussion with David Carbó

David Carbó, former Chief Commercial Officer at Globalimar and Iceland Seafood International, has made significant strides from managing family-run businesses to steering multinational corporations through complex mergers and market integrations. With a robust background in sales, operations, and strategic management, Carbó’s deep insights into the intricacies of the seafood industry make him a key figure in understanding the evolving global market dynamics. In this discussion, Carbó delves into his journey, exploring the challenges of international market adaptation, the strategic importance of mergers, and his philosophy on leadership in a changing industry.

From Family Business Roots to International Markets

Carbó’s career began in the family-owned seafood business, where he was immersed in the operational aspects of the industry from a young age. He recalls his early years working with his family, learning the ropes of the business, and understanding the importance of every role in the company. “Growing up in the business taught me the value of hard work and the critical nature of each link in the supply chain”, says Carbó. His hands-on experience laid the foundation for a deep understanding of production, export logistics, and the complexities of managing fresh seafood products.

This early exposure was not just a springboard but essential preparation, fully complemented when Carbó transitioned into the world of large multinationals, such as Icelandic Ibérica or Iceland Seafood, both of Icelandic origin. This move allowed him to transition from the more intuitive world of family-run fresh fish businesses—where deep product knowledge and improvisation are part of the daily routine—into a more organized, planned, and technically sophisticated environment. This experience enabled him to reach executive roles where he developed a keen understanding of the importance of identifying, controlling, and minimizing inefficiencies, whether intrinsic or evolving as part of a growing business.

As Carbó transitioned to larger corporate roles, he achieved key milestones in Southern European markets (Spain, Italy, and Portugal), three of the most important seafood markets in Europe. “I don’t consider it luck to have worked in these regions; it was a strategic decision,” Carbó clarifies. “Every market and every origin has its own DNA, and understanding the cultural and commercial nuances is what really makes the difference and allowed me to incorporate many more origins into my daily work.” During his time at Iceland Seafood, he refined his approach to both sales and management, overseeing key accounts and navigating the unpredictable dynamics of the seafood trade with sharp, adaptive insight.

Strategic Acquisitions and Cross-Border Integration

Carbó’s expertise in managing cross-border mergers and acquisitions has been a hallmark of his career, especially as the seafood industry has seen increased consolidation in recent years. One of the most notable points in his career was overseeing the merger of two significant companies, Icelandic and Iceland Seafood International, where his strategic vision played a key role. “Merging two companies is not just about blending operations; it’s about aligning cultures, managing expectations, and ensuring a seamless integration of strengths”, Carbó emphasizes.

Carbó elaborates on the challenges faced during these mergers, particularly the need to harmonize different business practices. “It was crucial to maintain open communication across all levels, from leadership to the operational teams”, he explains. “We worked hard to ensure that everyone felt involved in the process, which helped us achieve a smoother transition”. He underscores that his ability to manage these complexities was built on years of experience navigating family business dynamics, where understanding the human element was as important as the operational one.

Operational Excellence: The Backbone of Competitive Advantage

Operational efficiency has always been a cornerstone of Carbó’s management philosophy. Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for the implementation of systematic approaches to enhance production, streamline logistics, and optimize costs. “Efficiency is the name of the game,” Carbó states. “In a market where margins are often tight, being able to deliver products faster, fresher, and at a lower cost can be a significant competitive advantage”.

Carbó’s emphasis on operational excellence extends to his approach to technology adoption, where he sees digital transformation as a necessary step for modern seafood companies. “We’ve moved from traditional methods to leveraging data analytics and digital tracking systems to improve our supply chain visibility”, he notes. This shift has enabled the companies he has led to better predict market demand, optimize inventory levels, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Leadership Through Adaptability and Empowerment

Throughout his career, Carbó has adopted a leadership style that prioritizes adaptability, trust, and most importantly, the empowerment of teams. His philosophy is simple: the best results don’t come from micromanaging people but from letting them take control of their responsibilities. That said, this doesn’t mean letting go of the wheel and sitting back. For him, leadership is about giving people the space to make decisions but also being there to guide them when necessary. “Creating an environment where everyone can contribute and feel in control of their tasks is key,” Carbó insists “It’s about trust and collaboration”.

He understands that creating such an environment shouldn’t be a politically correct cliché or an unattainable utopia, but a clear objective. Each person should feel confident that by doing their job well, the entire system will run smoothly. This is only achieved through well-defined operational processes in terms of both form and timing, providing the necessary knowledge to execute them, and clearly defined individual goals. These allow, both individually and at a departmental level, the detection of inefficiencies, understanding them, and correcting them without causing unnecessary drama or stress.

Navigating Market Challenges and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Carbó is keenly aware of the ongoing challenges facing the seafood industry, from fluctuating market demands to the impacts of global environmental changes. He stresses the importance of agility and staying ahead of industry trends. “The market is constantly evolving, and so must we”, Carbó advises. He points to the rise of sustainability concerns and the need for companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices as key drivers of change. “Consumers are more informed and expect companies to take responsibility for their environmental impact”.

As he reflects on his journey, Carbó remains optimistic about the future of the seafood industry. His experience has shown that with the right strategies, strong leadership, and a commitment to operational excellence, companies can successfully navigate the complexities of the market and emerge stronger. “It’s about balancing tradition with innovation, and always being willing to adapt”, Carbó concludes. His career serves as a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in an ever-changing industry.