Lars Bo Bertram, who is currently CEO of Bankinvest has been appointed as the next CEO of IFU. Lars Bo Bertram will assume the position on 1 June 2024. Søren Peter Andreasen, IFU’s Deputy CEO, will become acting CEO when Torben Huss steps down on 1 January, as previously announced, until Lars Bo Bertram takes over. Torben Huss will be available to the new executive board in the transition phase.
The new CEO is a top executive with deep insight into asset management, financial markets and management in the financial sector.
Michael Rasmussen, Chairman of IFU’s Board, is pleased to present the new CEO of IFU after a good and thorough process.
“We are pleased to present Lars Bo Bertram as the new lead executive of IFU. He brings solid experience from managing important financial institutions in Denmark, where he has created strong results through many years. Lars Bo Bertram’s professional and personal qualities make him a strong match for the new strategic opportunities that have opened up to IFU with new funding from the state and with investment partners in a new Danish SDG fund II. I am convinced he is the right person to further develop the solid foundation that Torben Huss has been a driving force in creating during his time as member of IFU’s executive board,” said Michael Rasmussen.
The appointment follows an announcement by the Danish government in September of a reform of IFU with new funding that will significantly increase the fund’s opportunities of investing in economic growth, green transition and sustainable development in emerging markets and developing countries.
“I am pleased that Lars Bo Bertram has agreed to head IFU during a time when significant growth and innovation are expected within IFU’s activities following the new reform. Lars Bo Bertram has broad experience from the financial world, as well as a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the developing countries through his board work in SOS Children’s Villages among other things. I look forward to a positive collaboration, where we can develop IFU into an even more significant player in Danish international development and climate finance.”
Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy.
Lars Bo Bertram looks forward to his new role.
“IFU plays a very special role in the Danish financial sector with its focus on commercial investments that promote a more sustainable world. I look forward to bringing my experiences into play in an organisation that makes a substantial difference and is recognised for its strong competencies within its field. I also look very much forward to collaborating with entrepreneurs in the developing countries and collaborating with Danish investors and companies,” said Lars Bo Bertram.
About Lars Bo Bertram
- Lars Bo Bertram was born in 1962 in Copenhagen and grew up in Aarhus. Holds a Graduate Diploma in foreign trade (CBS 1990) and AMP (Harvard Business School 2010)
- CEO in Bankinvest since 2015, member of the board of SOS Children’s Villages and former chairman of the Danish Investment Association
- Former vice president Nykredit (2001-09) and managing director Nykredit Bank 2009-14
- Married to Birgitte and lives in Frederiksberg. The couple has three grown children
About IFU
IFU (the Investment Fund for Developing Countries) is Denmark’s development finance institution. IFU is a state-owned fund, established in 1967. The purpose of IFU is to promote investments that support sustainable development and fulfil the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the developing countries. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans and guarantees for private companies in developing countries and emerging markets, in particular in Africa, but also in Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. IFU has a general focus on supporting the green transition and contributing to the development of just and inclusive societies.