Robert A. Jensen appointed new head of investments at Aars
Aars has appointed Robert A. Jensen (44) as its new Chief Investment Officer. He will lead the company’s Investments division at a time when Aars is positioning itself for further growth and development. The division and the position of CIO are newly created and are being established as part of the merger of investment activities within asset management and direct investments into a single unit.
– We are very pleased that Robert has accepted the role of Head of Investments at Aars. Through a thorough selection process involving many strong candidates, he clearly stood out thanks to his broad international experience combined with solid expertise in analysis, strategy development, asset management, and investments. Robert is a results-oriented senior executive with solid operational experience and investment expertise. “His leadership profile aligns very well with our ambitions for the Investment division going forward,” says owner and Chairman of the Board Øyvind Schage Førde.
Robert A. Jensen comes from the role of CEO and board member at Paratus Energy Services Ltd. He has led the company through its spin-off from Seadrill and the establishment of an independent holding structure, as well as the development of the group’s operating companies and financial investments. He has played a key role in a number of strategic and financial initiatives, including the IPO, refinancing of the company, portfolio optimization, and the establishment of a robust distribution model for shareholders.
Previous experience includes, among other things, Partner at Arctic Securities, Partner at the London-based hedge fund CF Partners Capital Management (equities and credit), and various roles as an analyst in equities and credit at Sparebank 1 Markets, Clarksons Platou Securities, and Jefferies.
Strengthening the investment division
The appointment of a new Head of Investments is part of a broader strategy to position the company for its next phase of growth. In addition to its automotive and real estate business areas, Aars has significant investment activity in both asset management and direct investments in companies across a range of industries. These two business areas are now being consolidated into a single unit under Robert’s leadership.
The merger paves the way for broader and more dynamic management, where listed and unlisted equity investments, as well as other liquid financial investments, will be managed across sectors, geographies, and ownership structures for the family-owned company going forward.
“Aars has a clear ambition to further develop the investment portfolio going forward. We have set ambitious goals for this area, and to succeed, we depend on both strong internal organization and the right expertise. I am confident that Robert will be able to strengthen the investment area and help realize our long-term ambitions,” says Schage Førde.
Aars currently owns a diversified portfolio across multiple industries and works systematically to develop the directly owned companies in the portfolio through active ownership.
Looking forward to contributing
– Aars has a unique position as a long-term, value-driven family-owned company with strong operating businesses and an exciting investment portfolio. I look forward to contributing to the further development of the investment area through a holistic approach to capital allocation, based on experience from both operational ownership and the capital markets, where we combine active ownership in direct investments with professional and flexible asset management. Together with a competent team and committed owners, we will build on the strong foundation that has already been laid and develop the portfolio in a way that creates long-term value for the owners, says Robert A. Jensen.
Joins in November
Robert will assume the role of Chief Investment Officer in November and will join the management team at Aars.