Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic announces new CEO

Knut Ekjord is set to become the new CEO of Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic, effective January 1, 2026, taking over from Christian Ness, who is retiring.

Knut Ekjord

Ekjord brings 23 years of experience in real estate investment management to his new role. He joined Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic in 2021 following the acquisition of NRP's real estate business, where he had worked since 2002, serving as head of Transactions since 2010. His extensive background in real estate transactions and general industry knowledge will be valuable to the leadership team.
Erlend Torsen will succeed Ekjord as the head of Transactions for Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic. Torsen also joined in 2021 from NRP, where he had been a senior transaction manager for 14 years, overseeing more than 100 real estate transactions. With 22 years of industry experience, he will now be responsible for all real estate transactions across the Nordic region.
Jan Plückhahn, head of real estate at Swiss Life Asset Managers, said: “We thank Christian Ness sincerely for his outstanding contribution to the integration of the former NRP real estate organisation into Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic and onto the European platform of Swiss Life Asset Managers. Under his leadership and through the investment activities led by Knut and Erlend, we were able to expand our local presence in all the Nordic markets. We are very happy that Christian will join the board of directors of Swiss Life Asset Managers Nordic to further support our local growth. Additionally, I wish Knut Ekjord as the new local CEO all the best in expanding existing relationships and establishing new strategic partnerships.”