Per Franzén has ascended to the top of EQT, taking on the role of CEO alongside partner Per Franzén. With a tenure at the company since 2007, Franzén currently oversees the largest business segment: private investments in Europe and North America. He succeeded Christian Sinding in this role, who in turn became the CEO of the entire company in 2019. Now, Franzén follows in Sinding’s footsteps once again.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to step into the role of CEO,” Franzén remarked to Placera. “I believe we are incredibly well-positioned in the private markets industry, which is poised for continued growth and presents exciting opportunities for us to participate in this expansion.”
Thomas von Koch held the position of EQT CEO for just under five years. Christian Sinding, who will have served for over six years when he steps down in May, oversaw EQT’s journey to the stock market, witnessing its market value soar from 63 billion SEK to approximately 459 billion SEK today. The board has now appointed Per Franzén as the new CEO.
When asked how long he envisions staying in the role, Franzén responded, “That’s a question for the board. It depends on our performance. However, I can say this: It has been demonstrated in our portfolio companies and generally that introducing new perspectives periodically is good governance, especially when the company is doing well. Conni’s (Jonsson, EQT’s chairman, ed. note) philosophy is, ‘everything can always be improved everywhere at all times.’ That’s the mindset. It will be exciting and challenging going forward.”
Is there constant pressure to perform then?
“Of course. It’s about delivering. We know we are in an exciting industry, and we know we are well-positioned. We have the global scale and platform to continue delivering in this industry. But ultimately, it’s about creating good and attractive returns for our clients.”
Despite assuming the role in EQT, Franzén will remain in London, a financial hub that he believes offers proximity to clients, intermediaries, and senior decision-makers across global business sectors.
Looking ahead, Franzén refrains from detailing specific initiatives he plans to undertake as CEO, emphasizing the company’s current strength and his anticipation of building on the global platform. He highlights the growth opportunities in Asia and notes a recent uptick in deal activity within the private equity market.
“In the past weeks and months, we have seen a pick-up in deal activity. This trend is evident across most of our business segments.”
As Franzén steps into the CEO role at EQT, his vision for the company’s future remains optimistic, grounded in a commitment to delivering value and seizing opportunities for growth in a dynamic and evolving market landscape.