EQT has announced that Jean Eric Salata has been nominated to become the next Chairperson of its Board, pending approval at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in May 2026 and subject to regulatory clearance. This nomination marks a significant leadership transition for one of the world’s largest private equity firms.
Jean Eric Salata is the founder of Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA), which he launched in 1997 and has since built into one of Asia’s most successful private equity firms. Following the merger of BPEA and EQT in 2022, Salata became Chair of EQT Asia, overseeing Private Capital, Infrastructure, and Real Estate investments across the region. He also serves on EQT’s Executive Committee, helping shape the firm’s global strategy. Under his leadership, EQT Asia has deployed over $35 billion in equity across more than 180 transactions and raised some of the most significant funds in the region’s history.
Conni Jonsson, EQT’s founder, has led the firm since its inception in 1994. He originally set out to build a private capital firm rooted in the Wallenberg family’s philosophy of long-term investing and active ownership. Over the past three decades, EQT has invested in more than 650 portfolio companies, growing from a €300 million Nordic-focused fund into the world’s second-largest private equity firm.
Under Jonsson’s leadership—first as CEO for 20 years and then as Chairperson—EQT expanded into Infrastructure and Real Estate, established a strong presence in North America and Asia, and went public on Nasdaq Stockholm in 2019. Today, EQT is Sweden’s fourth-largest listed company, with a global portfolio comprising over 300 companies that employ approximately 650,000 people.
If elected, Salata will take on the Chairperson role while continuing to lead EQT Asia and chair its Private Capital Asia investment committees. Conni Jonsson will remain involved with the firm as Honorary Chair and Founder, continuing to contribute through the EQT Council and the EQT Foundation.
EQT’s Nomination Committee includes Jacob Wallenberg (Chairperson), Cynthia Lee, Harry Klagsbrun, Joachim Spetz, and Conni Jonsson. The committee’s full proposals for the 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting will be announced at a later date. This transition reflects EQT’s commitment to continuity and global integration, positioning the firm for its next chapter of strategic growth and leadership in private markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me as nominee to succeed Conni as Chairperson of EQT’s Board. Conni’s leadership over three decades has transformed EQT into one of the world’s leading investment firms, built on strong values, world-class talent and a long-term commitment to delivering superior returns for our investors. As EQT enters its next chapter, I look forward to working closely with the Board and CEO Per Franzén to continue building this remarkable business, accelerating our global growth, and creating value for our clients, portfolio companies, and shareholders.”
Jean Eric Salata
“EQT today has a strong global foundation, a clear strategy and an exceptional leadership team ready to capture the opportunities ahead. We have always worked tirelessly to develop the next generation of leaders, as professional succession planning is key to long-term success. I know EQT is in the best hands possible, so I have decided that now is the right time to step down. Jean knows what it takes to build and lead a high-performing, cross-border, multi-asset class business through cycles, and Per Franzén is an exceptional investor who has shown outstanding leadership throughout his time at EQT. With them at the helm, I have complete confidence in EQT’s continued development as a global investment leader.”
Conni Jonsson
“When Conni founded EQT, we could not have foreseen the scale of its impact. His leadership has been defined by a clear vision and a long-term perspective on building businesses. This approach is worth emulating by any company Chair that values enduring success and responsible leadership. With Jean’s nomination, that same vision is evident. Jean is a proven business leader and he has been nominated to take on this role with EQT in a position of strength. On behalf of the Nomination Committee, I would like to thank Conni for his extraordinary contributions and express our confidence in Jean’s nomination. We look forward to supporting EQT in this next chapter.”
Jacob Wallenberg, Chairperson of EQT’s Nomination Committee
