Monday, 8 December 2025
Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic has announced that Knut Ekjord will take over as Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2026, succeeding Christian Ness, who is stepping down from the position after successfully overseeing the company’s integration phase.
Ekjord, who joined Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic in 2021 following the acquisition of NRP’s real estate business, brings more than two decades of experience in real estate investment management. During his earlier career at NRP, where he served as Head of Transactions from 2010, he led numerous high-profile property acquisitions across the Nordic region. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening the firm’s local presence and continuing its growth across Nordic markets.
Alongside this appointment, Erlend Torsen will assume the role of Head of Transactions. With 22 years of industry experience, including 14 years as Senior Transaction Manager at NRP, Torsen has overseen more than 100 real estate deals in his career and will now be responsible for all transaction activities in the Nordic portfolio.
Jan Plückhahn, Head of Real Estate at Swiss Life Asset Managers, thanked Christian Ness for his leadership during the integration of NRP into the company’s European platform. “Under Christian’s direction, and through the investment expertise of Knut Ekjord and Erlend Torsen, we have successfully expanded our local reach across the Nordic region,” he said. Ness will continue to contribute to the company’s development as a member of the Board of Directors.
Plückhahn added: “We wish Knut Ekjord every success in his new position as CEO and look forward to seeing him further deepen our client relationships and build new strategic partnerships across the region.”
The leadership transition marks a new phase for Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic, as the firm continues to strengthen its position as a leading player in the Nordic real estate investment market.
Photo: Knut Ekjord, CEO, Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic
