EQT Appoints Per Franzén as New CEO and Managing Partner, Marking a New Chapter in the Firm’s Growth

EQT, CEO Appointment, Per Franzén, Christian Sinding, Leadership Transition, Private Equity, Growth, EQT Council, Institutional Partner, Corporate Strategy

(IN BRIEF) EQT has appointed Per Franzén as its new CEO and Managing Partner, set to take effect on 27 May 2025. Franzén, a long-standing member of EQT, has been pivotal to the firm’s growth and success. Christian Sinding, who led the firm through significant transformation, will step into the role of Institutional Partner, where he will continue to shape EQT’s strategic direction. This leadership transition marks the start of an exciting new phase for EQT as it aims for further global expansion.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 17-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — EQT AB has announced the appointment of Per Franzén as its new CEO and Managing Partner, effective from the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 27 May 2025. This transition will follow the leadership of Christian Sinding, who will remain CEO until the changeover, ensuring a smooth handover.

Franzén, a key figure at EQT for nearly 20 years, is currently the Deputy Managing Partner and Head of Private Capital Europe & North America. He has been instrumental in driving EQT’s expansion, particularly in overseeing the record-breaking EUR 22 billion raise of EQT X in 2024, which became the largest private equity fund raised globally that year. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for EQT, which has enjoyed remarkable growth, including a significant increase in its market capitalization, from EUR 7 billion at its 2019 IPO to approximately EUR 40 billion today.

Christian Sinding, who has steered EQT through a period of extraordinary transformation, will transition to the role of Institutional Partner. In this new capacity, he will Chair the EQT Council, a body designed to leverage EQT’s collective leadership and external expertise to drive strategic partnerships and provide insights to maintain the firm’s competitive edge. Sinding will also continue his involvement as Chair of the Global Investment Forum and remain an active member of several Investment Committees.

Commenting on his appointment, Per Franzén expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am honored to take on the role of CEO at EQT, a firm I’ve dedicated much of my career to. Christian has done an exceptional job in setting up a solid platform, and I look forward to building on that success alongside the talented team at EQT. We are in a great position to continue delivering value to our clients and shareholders as we move into the next phase of growth.”

Franzén’s transition to CEO is timely, as EQT is poised to enter a EUR 100 billion fundraising cycle and is working on expanding its investment strategies, distribution channels, and brand presence globally.

Christian Sinding, reflecting on his time as CEO, said, “My journey with EQT has been an incredible one, from employee number eleven to being part of a firm with nearly 2,000 colleagues across 20 markets. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to pass the leadership baton to Per. I look forward to continuing to contribute to EQT in my new role, guiding the firm’s strategy and supporting its ongoing success.”

Conni Jonsson, Chairperson of EQT’s Board, commended Sinding’s leadership, saying, “Christian’s vision and dedication have been key to EQT’s transformation. Under his leadership, EQT has achieved remarkable growth and expanded its reach into new markets. We are grateful for his contributions and look forward to his continued involvement as an Institutional Partner.”

Jonsson also expressed confidence in Franzén’s leadership, adding, “Per has been with EQT for nearly two decades, and I know he exemplifies our values and performance-driven culture. His leadership of EQT Private Capital Europe & North America has been exemplary, and I am excited to support him as he leads EQT into this next chapter of growth and innovation.”

About Per Franzén
Per Franzén joined EQT Partners in Stockholm in May 2007. He currently serves as Head of Private Capital Europe and North America and Deputy Managing Partner. He is a member of the EQT Executive Committee and Chairman of the Equity Partners Investment Committee.

Per is currently based in London but has previously worked in the Stockholm and Munich offices. He has been involved in a number of investments, including Anticimex, IVC Evidensia and IFS. Prior to joining EQT, Per spent six years at Morgan Stanley’s London and Stockholm offices working in M&A, Leveraged Finance and Nordic Banking.

Please find photos of Per Franzén here.

About the EQT Council
The EQT Council aims to amplify EQT’s ability to create meaningful partnerships, provide clients the insights needed to succeed for the long-term, and accelerate the impact of its global business. The EQT Council brings together some of EQT’s most experienced leaders with external expertise and is Chaired by Christian Sinding.

From EQT, members also include EQT AB Chairperson Conni Jonsson and Lennart Blecher, Head of Real Assets and Deputy Managing Partner. They are joined by Marcus Wallenberg, the Vice Chair of Investor AB who holds a number of other Director and Board roles. Over time, EQT plans to expand the Council to further strengthen its expertise.

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization focused on active ownership strategies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT has a track record of over three decades of developing companies across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies. EQT has investment strategies covering all phases of a business’ development, from start-up to maturity. EQT has EUR ‌​​269 billion in total assets under management (EUR 136 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets.

With its roots in the Wallenberg family’s entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy of long-term ownership, EQT is guided by a set of strong values and a distinct corporate culture. EQT manages and advises funds and vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to future-proof companies, generate attractive returns and make a positive impact with everything EQT does.

The EQT AB Group comprises EQT AB (publ) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which include general partners and fund managers of EQT funds as well as entities advising EQT funds. EQT has offices in more than 25 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas and has more than 1,900 employees.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com

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Media Contact:

Olof Svensson
Head of Shareholder Relations
+46 72 989 09 15

EQT Press Office
press@eqtpartners.com
+46 8 506 55 334

SOURCE: EQT