Jean Eric Salata Set to Succeed Conni Jonsson as EQT Chairperson in 2026

Leadership Transition at EQT

EQT AB has officially announced the nomination of Jean Eric Salata as the next Chairperson of its Board, indicating a significant leadership transition set for 2026. This move comes as current Chair Conni Jonsson prepares to step down at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting in May 2026, a testament to EQT's strategic succession planning.

For over three decades, Conni Jonsson has successfully guided EQT to stand as a pillar within the private equity domain, firmly embedding values around long-term investments and active ownership rooted in the Wallenberg family legacy. Under Conni's stewardship, EQT has inflated its assets under management to an impressive EUR 266 billion, establishing a robust portfolio that encapsulates over 300 companies globally, employing approximately 650,000 individuals. The firm has notably evolved from a small Nordic-focused fund in 1994 with EUR 300 million in assets to the world's second-largest private equity firm today, expanding its reach into Infrastructure and Real Estate.

Jean Eric Salata, who is already the Chair of EQT Asia and the founder of Baring Private Equity Asia, is well-positioned to take on the Chairperson role. His history of transforming BPEA into one of Asia's foremost private equity firms speaks volumes about his capabilities. The recent merger between BPEA and EQT marked a pivotal moment, supplementing EQT Asia's influential strategy with robust financial backing—having injected more than USD 35 billion in equity across over 180 transactions in the region. Jean's leadership in these endeavors reflects his adeptness at navigating and fostering growth in complex financial landscapes.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Jean is committed to continuing the exceptional growth trajectory that EQT has experienced under Conni's guidance. He has expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him, stating, "Conni's leadership has transformed EQT into one of the world's leading investment firms, built on strong values, world-class talent and a long-term commitment to delivering superior returns for our investors." His readiness to partner with both the Board and CEO Per Franzén illustrates a collaborative approach towards maintaining EQT's momentum and achieving sustainable growth across all fronts.

Looking ahead, Conni will retain a crucial role within EQT as an Honorary Chair, ensuring his experience and insights will continue to guide the firm, including active participation in the EQT Council and Foundation. This ongoing connection is vital for EQT's future initiatives and aligns with EQT's dedication to fostering a culture of mentorship and future leadership development.

Jacob Wallenberg, Chairperson of EQT's Nomination Committee, also highlighted the importance of succession planning and the strategic foresight displayed since EQT's inception. He commended Conni's vision while expressing confidence in Jean’s ability to lead the firm into a promising future.

As the groundwork is laid for this pivotal transition, EQT remains poised to capture new opportunities in an ever-evolving investment landscape. With strong leadership and a clear trajectory towards growth, both Jean Eric Salata and EQT are set to play critical roles in shaping the future of private equity on a global scale. The Nomination Committee's proposals for the Annual Shareholders' Meeting in 2026 will further formalize this transition and validate the strategic vision set forth.