EQT, one of Europe’s premier investment firms, has announced the appointment of Kim Dae‑hyun as the new head of its operations in South Korea. This strategic move signals EQT’s deepening commitment to the Korean market and its ambitions to expand in Asia with a sharp focus on real estate, infrastructure, and sustainability-driven investments.
Strategic Appointment in a Key Market
Kim Dae‑hyun’s appointment comes at a time when South Korea is emerging as a critical node in the Asia-Pacific investment landscape. With his extensive experience in real estate, asset management, and international finance, Kim is expected to lead EQT Korea through its next phase of expansion. He brings over two decades of leadership across top-tier institutions including Samsung SRA Asset Management, Mirae Asset, and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC).
By naming a respected industry veteran with deep local roots, EQT strengthens its foothold in Korea — a country known for its tech-savvy urbanization and sophisticated investment ecosystem.
EQT’s Goals in South Korea
Under Kim’s leadership, EQT Korea is expected to ramp up activity in:
- Logistics and digital infrastructure
- Sustainable and ESG-compliant urban development
- Partnerships with Korean institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds
- Green real estate, such as certified eco-buildings and low-carbon industrial parks
These initiatives align with EQT’s global strategy of long-term, responsible investing across high-potential markets.
Why Kim Dae‑hyun?
Kim’s credentials speak directly to the needs of EQT’s expansion:
- Cross-border M&A Expertise: He has facilitated major acquisitions and joint ventures with partners from the U.S., Japan, and Singapore.
- Deep Knowledge of Local Regulation: His understanding of Korea’s regulatory and cultural investment frameworks ensures operational agility.
- Track Record in Green and Mixed-Use Projects: He has led transformative projects involving logistics parks, smart cities, and green-certified buildings.
EQT’s decision to appoint Kim reflects confidence in his ability to bridge the firm’s European roots with Korean business sensibilities.
Impact on the Real Estate and Infrastructure Landscape
With this leadership change, the Korean market can expect:
- A surge in foreign capital entering commercial and logistics real estate.
- Rising demand for ESG-compliant assets in Korea, including smart warehouses and sustainable residential complexes.
- Acceleration of digital twin technology and automation in property management.
Kim has been a vocal proponent of modernizing real estate using AI, big data, and IoT, all areas where EQT has existing strengths.
EQT’s Asia-Pacific Strategy
South Korea is now a central pillar in EQT’s broader Asia-Pacific vision. The firm, which manages over €270 billion globally, has been expanding its footprint in Japan, Australia, and India, and now sees Korea as a long-term growth engine.
Ongoing and planned initiatives include:
- Logistics hubs near the ports of Incheon and Busan
- Mixed-use redevelopments in Seoul’s fringe districts
- Data center partnerships aligned with Korea’s 5G rollout
Expected Developments in 2025–2026
With Kim at the helm, EQT Korea aims to:
- Launch 2–4 major transactions per year in real estate and infrastructure
- Grow its Seoul office from 15 to 40 professionals
- Invest up to €1 billion in Korea by 2026
- Establish ESG and innovation benchmarks for property investments in the region
Kim will also serve as a liaison for EQT’s global investor base, helping coordinate multi-regional investments involving Korean assets.
Conclusion
The appointment of Kim Dae‑hyun marks a pivotal step for EQT’s evolution in the Korean market. His blend of local insight and global execution capacity makes him uniquely positioned to lead in a complex and competitive landscape. For EQT, this leadership shift isn’t just operational — it’s strategic.
With Kim at the forefront, EQT Korea is expected to play a central role in driving sustainable growth, embracing digital transformation, and strengthening the firm’s pan-Asian portfolio in the years to come.
