Stable handover in a phase of commercial breakthrough

The change in the Board of Directors takes place at a time when OptiCept Technologies AB is facing a clear commercial breakthrough and is approaching a positive cash flow. Under Ulf Hagman's leadership, the company has undergone a significant transformation – from a technology development company to a more commercially oriented company with an international presence.

Among the most central milestones during this period are:

• The strategically important merger between OptiFreeze and Arc Aroma Pure
• The establishment of a broader technology platform and market presence
• The recently announced agreement with FPS Food Process Solutions, which is considered to be an important catalyst for the company's profitability and global expansion

This agreement marks a clear shift towards scalable revenue generation and strengthens the company's position in the international market.

New Chairman with a strong international profile

The proposed new Chairman of the Board, Carlos Fernandez Villena, has served as a member of the company’s Board for two years and has during this time gained a solid understanding of the company’s strategy, technology, and market position.

 With a long international career at JBT Corporation, Carlos has held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Customer Sustainability and Market Development, Executive Vice President and President, Diversified Food & Health, and President and Managing Director, Liquid Foods.

 In these positions he led a global industrial food processing franchise, managing 18 operations and 3,200 employees across 20 locations, with full responsibility for strategy, planning, M&A, sales, production, leadership development and annual budgets. He delivered industry‑leading growth of an USD $800M enterprise across businesses in the United States (Florida, California, Wisconsin, Cincinnati), the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa and Italy, and successfully completed nine strategic acquisitions.

 Carlos consistently identified and captured synergies in preservation and fruit and juice processing, expanded the portfolio through targeted M&A, and implemented Lean Manufacturing initiatives in the manufacturing plants. His teams supported customers worldwide in the operation of equipment for extraction of fruit, vegetable and citrus juices, coating and labelling, container sterilization, filling technologies, high‑pressure processing, packaging and vegetable processing.

 His background and global network are expected to further accelerate OptiCept’s commercial development and strengthen the company’s international presence.

Outgoing chairman comments

Ulf Hagman comments:

"In recent months, we have worked intensively to put in place the agreement with FPS – an agreement that fundamentally changes the company's financial profile and creates the conditions for long-term profitability. It therefore feels like a natural time to hand over the Presidency."

"My decision is also based on a desire to prioritize family. After a difficult period where our family suffered a great loss, I now want to be able to be an active support for my daughter and her children."

"I am very pleased that Carlos is proposed as the new Chairman. With its international experience and understanding of the market, I am convinced that the company is in very good hands. I would like to extend a warm thank you to the Board of Directors, management and all employees for a very fruitful collaboration. I look forward to continuing to follow the company's development as a shareholder."

Continued support and continuity

OptiCept would like to extend a big thank you to Ulf Hagman for his significant efforts and strategic leadership during a crucial phase in the company's development. The company is positive about continuing to benefit from his experience and commitment when needed, even after he leaves the Board.