Eggert appointed director of Iceland’s marine research institute
Tuesday 25th August 2026 on 19:31 in
Iceland
Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson has been appointed director of Hafrannsóknastofnun, Iceland’s marine research institute, mbl.is reports. Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson made the appointment, and Guðmundsson will serve for five years.
Guðmundsson has been acting director since October 2025. Eight applications were submitted for the position.
According to a statement from the Icelandic government, the minister appointed a three-member advisory qualifications committee to assess the candidates.
Guðmundsson holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Karlsruhe, an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona and an AMP degree from the same school.
Previous government and business roles
From 2022 to 2025, Guðmundsson worked as a sustainable development leader in the Prime Minister’s Office. He was also director of Grænvangur, a cooperation platform between the government and business community on climate issues and green solutions, from 2019 to 2021.
He was chief executive of HB Grandi hf. from 2005 to 2012, having previously served as the company’s marketing manager from 2004. He later led N1 hf. from 2012 to 2016 before becoming chief executive of eTactica ehf., an innovation company focused on electricity monitoring systems.
Guðmundsson also worked as a consultant for IceCure ehf. from 2015 to 2024 and for Philips Electronics from 1997 to 2004, including as head of business development in the United States.
He has held several board and honorary positions, including chairman of the Reykjavík Theatre Company and board member of Landsnet, HB Grandi hf. and Brim hf.