At inception, Altor was dedicated to the Nordic markets, but we have since expanded to DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). During the past years Altor has made a number of investments; one as a co-owner of the dental practices company Zahneins, in OceansApart and most recently in Kaefer, together with SMS Group. The DACH team has also been instrumental in Altor’s involvement in the green steel venture, H2 Green Steel.
Just before summer Altor added Birte Sewing to its senior staff, bringing an encompassing expertise in the financial services sector. As Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of fintech company builder FinLeap, she was responsible for key investments in Banking-as-a-Service platform Solaris and technology-driven insurance company ELEMENT. Birte Sewing operates as Fintech Lead and Principal.
More recently, Hajo Kroesche was hired as a new Partner. Hajo joins Altor from EQT, where he successfully managed investments both in German speaking countries and internationally. He has more than 14 years of experience in private equity and strategy consulting and his expertise and track record spans across a number of relevant industries, in particular TMT. Hajo joins Altor as the third Partner focused on Germany, Austria and Switzerland to support the co-managing Partner Klas Johansson and Partner Giovanna Maag and the rest of the DACH-team.
“Thanks to its flexible approach and long-term horizon, Altor is an ideal partner for entrepreneurs, with a strong focus on helping companies in their development”, says Klas Johansson, Partner at Altor also based in Altor’s Zurich office. “This model has helped us come together with remarkable business owners in the DACH region. With Hajo’s entrepreneurial mindset and his deep experience, know-how and network, he will help us drive our business in this important region – being a great partner to German Mittelstand companies, in particular family owned ones, and technology-driven growth companies.”
Hajo Kroesche’s experience and network in the TMT sector, in particular software and marketplace businesses, adds to his broad know-how across other important sectors and thereby complements Altor’s existing team for the DACH region.
“I can’t wait to bring my experience to use for Altor”, says Hajo Kroesche. “The German midmarket remains a highly attractive segment with strong established leaders and dynamic growth companies. With its entrepreneurial approach, culture and flexible operational support, Altor helps companies drive value in a number of ways. Altor has a unique track record as a trusted partner to mid-market companies and family-owned businesses, especially in the Nordic region, and a mission-driven approach underlined with strong ESG credentials. I am excited to support Altor’s further growth story in the German speaking region.”
Further to Birte and Hajo, Altor has also strengthened the Zürich-team by hiring Rinzin Gyalpo and Therese Lind as Executive Assistants.
