New Zealand King Salmon has appointed a new general manager of aquaculture in the wake of industry veteran Alan Cook's resignation as chief operating officer (COO) last month.

The company is splitting the role between aquaculture and processing, and promoting Grant Lovell to take up the first new position.

"With the departure of our chief operating officer, a decision has been made to split the role to allow more focus on our aquaculture and processing operations, respectively," said Grant Rosewarne, CEO of the company.

Lovell will take up the new role of general manager for aquaculture, bringing over 20 years’ experience in farming king salmon.

Details regarding the company's processing operations are expected at a later date.