The world’s oldest and largest international network of real estate experts launches in Denmark

The world’s oldest and largest international network of real estate experts launches in Denmark

January 28, 2021

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COPENHAGEN (27 January 2021) – The Urban Land Institute (ULI), a global research and education institute with more than 45,000 members worldwide, dedicated to responsible land use and creating sustainable communities, has launched its 15th European National Council in Denmark. Jesper Bo Hansen, Head of Corporate Finance, Catella, will be the new Chair serving a two-year term on a voluntary basis, and will be joined by an executive committee made up of local industry leaders.

“ULI is a highly respected and truly unique network of international real estate professionals and is a key connector for those involved in the industry,” said Jesper Bo Hansen, who has been involved in developing ULI’s activities in Denmark from the beginning.

“Building on the preparation work done over the past 12-18 months, which created a great momentum, I am very pleased that we now officially launch ULI in Denmark, as a way to recognise the outstanding urban design and development practices in this country, as well as the business development opportunities ULI’s global network provides. Our executive committee will work hard to continue to deliver an active programme of events and opportunities for real estate professionals and we look forward to sharing industry best practice both across the region and globally.”

The launch of ULI Denmark is the natural next step in the evolution of ULI’s activities in the country, led by a core group of ULI members, highlighted by the 2019 ULI Europe Real Estate Forum that took place in Copenhagen, which attracted more than 200 global industry leaders and showcased the Danish capital city’s innovative projects.

ULI Europe CEO, Lisette van Doorn said, “Our pan-European event in Copenhagen in 2019 was the catalyst for establishing a presence in Denmark, where so much ground-breaking urban design and development best practices are being developed with the input of world-leading experts. Jesper Bo is highly regarded within the real estate industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will be well-supported by our ULI staff and membership as the Institute grows in Denmark.”

ULI Europe Chair, Marnix Galle, who is also Executive Chairman at Belgian developer Immobel, commented, “With so many well-established Danish industry leaders, it’s an exciting time for ULI to officially launch ULI Denmark. The National Council will be a key part of the European network and members will be able to tap into ULI’s broader network. We have seen that there are many passionate advocates of ULI in Denmark, who are committed to advancing our mission of creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.”

“ULI is a high calibre network of current and future industry executives. It provides the opportunity to meet and network with likeminded people who all through a multi-disciplinary approach to real estate aim to create and sustain thriving communities worldwide. Participating in events and webinars hosted by thought leaders sharing insights on trends, as well as the research provided by the institute itself, is the core of ULI – the perquisite is the close interaction between the members themselves, both locally as well as internationally.”, said Rikke Lykke, European Head of Assetmanagement, PATRIZIA.

”I am thrilled to learn that ULI is coming to Denmark. The ULI has been an indispensable forum to meet my fellow real estate colleagues across many sectors from policy makers, city planners, investors, to the entire design community. Not only is there a networking component but more importantly key research and global best practices are shared openly and without agendas, so that the entire development ecosystem can learn from past and present efforts. Denmark has a lot to share and learn from the broader ULI community”, commented Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner with BIG.

“It’s great news that the ULI has decided to launch in Denmark. This will help raise the bar in terms of how we create sustainable cities in Denmark, and poses new abilities in how we can collaborate with experts and colleagues across Europe. Additionally, it will help us further qualify the ongoing broader, current debate around how we develop cities”, said Anne Skovbro, Managing Director of By & Havn.

For more information, visit denmark.uli.org

Notes to Editors

About the Urban Land Institute

  • The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.
  • ULI has over 4,000 members in Europe across 15 National Council country networks. For more information, please visit uli.org, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

About Jesper Bo Hansen

  • Jesper Bo Hansen is Head of Corporate Finance, Catella group with special responsibility for the Nordics. Director of several other subsidiaries of the Catella Group. Jesper has been with Catella since 2000 and is the founding partner and Chief Executive Officer for Catella’s Danish operations.
  • He has more than 30 years’ experience in the European finance and property market, with leading institutions and specialised finance and property companies in the Nordics. Jesper Bo Hansen has a long track record within capital markets real estate related activities, including M&A, real estate transactions, structured finance and other debt – and equity capital market activities, restructurings etc. Catella is a leading specialist in property investments and fund management with operations in 14 countries listed on NASDAQ Stockholm.