Meet the rising real estate talents shaping the future
Ahead of Business Arena Stockholm, we met with some of the rising stars of the real estate industry. In this interview series, we explore their perspectives on the future and their views on the development of the real estate sector.
Discover how six professionals featured on Fastighetsnytt’s “35 Under 35” list view the future of the industry and which topics they believe will dominate the conversations at Business Arena Stockholm on 16 September.
“The most successful players will act more like tech and energy companies.”
Gabriella Löthman, kommersiell förvaltare, Fastighets AB Balder
Career: Holds a BSc from the Stockholm School of Economics. Has worked in the real estate industry for seven years. Took a detour as COO of a marketing company and has also worked with retail real estate.
A person in the industry who inspires me: Kerstin Hessius.
Favourite place in Stockholm: Standing on Strömbron and taking in the beauty of Stockholm.
What drives me at work: Creating value for tenants, my employer, and myself.
"The Swedish market will attract growing interest from international investors.”
Jonas Ventzén, Area General Manager, CBRE
Career: Previously worked at Arcona and the Bostadsstiftelsen Signalisten. Since 2022, has been at CBRE.
A person in the industry who inspires me: Erik Selin – for his long-term perspective, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to build something strong over time.
Favourite place in Stockholm: The city centre and the CBD area. This is where the energy is, where decision-makers are found, and where many of the properties and environments we want to help develop and work in are located.
What drives me at work: Development. Seeing both the company and the people around me grow. Our employees are our most important asset, as we don’t manufacture products but instead build the business through people and relationships with our clients.
“The key is collaboration between the public sector and private capital.”
Ellen Wallin, Asset Manager, Urban Partners
Career: MSc in Surveying and Land Management from Lund University of Technology. Completed the Skanska 21 student programme and graduated in a role as site manager. Currently Asset Manager at Urban Partners.
A person in the industry who inspires me: Johanna Skogestig. Her values-driven leadership style and humble way of engaging with people have made a strong impression on me. She has inspired me to aim for leadership positions, and to do so with curiosity and humility.
Favourite place in Stockholm: Tessinparken. As a resident of Gärdet, it is my go-to spot during spring and summer.
What drives me at work: Collaboration is a key driver for me. I am inspired by working at the intersection of different areas of expertise, such as technology, property management, tenants, and public sector stakeholders, and jointly finding solutions that work in practice. I am also motivated by being part of developing and managing places where people live and work. It is in this holistic perspective that I find the real estate industry most exciting.
"Adaptability is essential for success going forward.”
Mehmet Ruusuvirta Okur, COO, Fastighets AB Hemmaplan
Career: Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Citycon, Schroders and Artmax, and is currently working at Fastighets AB Hemmaplan.
A person in the industry who inspires me: I am inspired by many people, often outside the industry. But to mention a highly skilled entrepreneur and philanthropist: Roger Akelius. I appreciate straightforward people who dare to challenge established ways of thinking.
Favourite place in Stockholm: Our country home between forest and lake, just outside Stockholm.
What drives me at work: Creating long-term value for people, employees and shareholders.
“Discussions about sustainability and digitalisation are constantly on the agenda.”
Frida Carlsson, Deputy Head of Valuation & Strategic Advisory, Cushman & Wakefield
Career: Part-time at Svefa during studies at KTH. Since 2019 at Cushman & Wakefield within Valuation & Strategic Advisory. Certified real estate appraiser through both Samhällsbyggarna and RICS.
A person in the industry who inspires me: There are many people in the industry who inspire me, but above all those who combine deep market understanding with a strong commercial mindset and integrity. That is something I strive for in my own role.
Favourite place in Stockholm: The gym or my balcony in the sun with friends and family – two places where I can truly relax and recharge.
What drives me at work: Being able to combine analysis with business value and contribute to well-founded decisions. I am motivated by understanding the market in depth and translating that into concrete advice for clients and colleagues, as well as developing others and seeing the team grow in their roles over time.
“Do we really need to build as much new as we currently do?”
Daniel Steding, partner, Archus Affärsutveckling & Projektledning
Career: Educated at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). For the past six years, he has been a business developer and partner at Archus, focusing on complex business and urban development issues.
A person in the industry who inspires me: I don’t have a single role model, but I am inspired by people who dare to think differently and deliver results.
Favourite place in Stockholm: Vasastan – a great mix of energy, people and calm.
What drives me at work: Creating results that make a difference and exceeding expectations.