Welcome aboard, Dennis! Please, tell us about your career journey. How did you get interested in infrastructure assets?
I started my career at Ørsted back in 2014, where I witnessed its big transition from an old-line coal-intensive company into a forward-leaning renewable energy leader, which I found very inspiring. Afterwards, I spent several years in M&A and Corporate Finance at Deloitte, working across several sectors before focusing on TMT (technology, media, and telecom) and digital infrastructure.
Most recently, I worked at Egmont, a leading Nordic media company, where I focused on strategy and investments. Since my time at Ørsted, I’ve always been interested in infrastructure's role in our society: it’s important in many ways, ranging from energy transition and security to enabling digital transformation.
What are some of the priority areas for investors interested in the infrastructure asset class in 2024?
After a couple of years with increasing inflation, interest rates and supply chain issues, it will be interesting to assess the robustness of the asset class, especially those assets that are associated with more risk. In the Norwegian context, 2024 will be an important year for offshore wind with the auction for SørligeNordsjø II opening on 18th of March. Five applicants have been qualified to participate in the auction.
What does sustainability mean to you?
For me, sustainability is being aware that natural resources have limitations that we need to respect. A big part of this is the green transition that’s needed across a lot of sectors (energy, transportation, industrial, just to name a few).
On a personal level, I am also always conscious of my own consumption habits, as I want to fulfil my part in achieving a sustainable world.
How can infrastructure assets contribute to sustainability?
Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the green transition as many infrastructure assets are essential to reaching a Net Zero scenario. At the Storebrand Infrastructure Fund, we focus on sustainable infrastructure within three main themes: energy transition, decarbonization, and digitalization. This includes infrastructure assets within renewable energy production, energy storage, carbon capture, electrification of transportation, etc. All these areas are important if we are to succeed with the Net Zero ambitions.
How would you sum up your experience at Storebrand so far? Any surprises or preconceptions proven right?
It has been a great start in Storebrand. It is an exciting future for both the asset class and Storebrand Infrastructure Fund. The current investment pipeline is strong with several interesting investment opportunities coming up, and we expect to launch a successor fund later this year.
No big surprises so far, but as a Dane, the number of skis that I see around the office really impresses me!
