Åsa Riisberg, Recipient of Alumni of the Year Award 2021

MSc in Financial Economics and Business Administration alum and longtime investor and board member, Åsa Riisberg, received the Alumni of the Year Award 2021 for her leadership and longevity in the investment industry as well as her commitment to SSE. Find out what she thinks responsible leadership is and what the future of investment looks like.

Can you describe your current role?

I have been in the private equity business for over 20 years, most of that time as a partner with EQT, where I led the firm’s global healthcare business for many years. Today, I invest through my own investment company and I am also engaged in a number of boards, both in Sweden and internationally, for instance Patricia Industries, Atlas Antibodies, Netcompany, Bonnier News, Dagens Nyheter and Chiesi Farmaceutici and Internetmedicin.

What interests you about working in the investment industry?

I thoroughly enjoy working with people that inspire me and where we can achieve great things together. That is the key thing for me, whether it is on a board or as an investor.

Where do you think your field is going in the next 5-10 years?

I think a long term perspective on investing is going to be an important element going forward. The teams that can find good companies to invest in, building and developing those platforms with a long term and responsible perspective, but at the same time introduce a strong a sense of urgency, will be successful.

In what ways do you still feel connected to SSE?

SSE will always have a very special place in my heart and mind. My best friends are the friends I made at SSE 30 years ago. Some of the best people I have worked with in my career have been SSE-alumni.

I have since a few years the pleasure to serve on Bo Becker’s MFIN advisory board at SSE. It is a great way to keep in contact with the school today.

I also encourage the companies I engage in to recruit talent from SSE, and it is almost always successful recruits. I am very impressed with the drive, ambition and competence the SSE students today demonstrate.

As a leader, what do you see as the most important aspects to consider in order to be a responsible leader?

I think putting purpose before profit is critical for all organisations today. As leaders, we need to define and articulate the purpose, be brave, inspire the next generation(s), think and act with a long term perspective on our businesses.

What career advice would you give to others who are interested in your field?

I believe that you should work with something you enjoy and interest you. If you enjoy what you do, you will become better at it, it will give you energy, you will thrive and be even more successful whilst having fun. Working in private equity is really fun and inspiring. That said, it is also hard work and from time to time you just need to have stamina and focus. So my career advise would be work hard and have fun!