Kerecis, CEO and founder
Fertram Sigurjonsson is the CEO and founder of Kerecis, an Icelandic biotechnology company specializing in developing, manufacturing, and distributing medical products crafted from cod skin. Renowned as a serial entrepreneur, Fertram has spearheaded domestic and international ventures, spanning software engineering, financial technology, and the energy, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. His prolific innovation is underscored by a portfolio boasting hundreds of patents and applications.
Beyond his executive role at Kerecis, Fertram has contributed his expertise to numerous corporate and advisory boards. He holds positions of influence within esteemed organizations such as The Icelandic Science and Technology Council, the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Icelandic Life- and Healthtec Companies.
Fertram’s entrepreneurial prowess has earned him widespread recognition and prestigious awards. He was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young in the United States in 2021, a testament to his outstanding contributions. The President of Iceland has also celebrated his achievements, honoring him with the Icelandic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award on multiple occasions. Under Fertram’s leadership, Kerecis has achieved notable milestones, earning distinctions such as the Growth Spurt of the Year award twice. The company’s exceptional trajectory culminated in its acquisition by Coloplast for 1.2 billion dollars, propelling it to the status of Iceland’s first Unicorn company and earning Fertram the title of Business Person of the Year 2023 in Iceland. Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to healthcare, Fertram was named Inventor of the Year 2024 by the European Wound Management Association.
Outside the boardroom, Fertram’s academic background in chemistry and engineering informs his commitment to environmental stewardship. He is devoted to his family, sharing his life with his wife, Fanneyja Hermannsdóttir, and their five children. His personal and professional passions converge in his advocacy for preserving oceanic ecosystems, reflected in Kerecis’s dedication to sourcing sustainable resources for its products.
