Equis Funds Group CEO 2010 Equis Energy Director Equis Managing Director Education He led Equis development of wind and hydro projects in India. DAVID: I sound really old when I say this [laughs], but I feel there is a generational shift. The Company was formed in 2019 through the restructure of the Equis business model from a funds management business to an infrastructure asset development company. Share Your Design Ideas, New JerseysMurphy Defends $10 Billion Rainy Day Fund as States Economy Slows, This Week in Crypto: Ukraine War, Marathon Digital, FTX, CEO/Partner/Co-Founder, Equis Funds Group. The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. Its not all hindsight. It works better for senior management, while the junior staff is more interested in salary and annual bonuses rather than something that could be paid out 5 or 10 years later. She managed a renewable energy portfolio of over 625MW in Australia, sat on the board of Avertas Waste to Energy as well as managed transport and social infrastructure projects. David Russell, partner and co-founder of Equis comments, "Following a number of significant and successful divestments including the sale of the Equis Energy portfolio to Global Infrastructure Partners, we have identified significant new investment and growth opportunities and Mark's appointment to the partnership will significantly strengthen . Now, the pendulum has swung from us being very quiet about our growth, to people asking questions because were the largest renewable energy developer in Asia. The proceeds of the biggest renewable energy deal in history have helped Equispartner Craig Marshfund a $10 million-plus waterfront property spending spree. Others Named David Russell. And you find that project developers tend to be more risk seeking, so its better to have someone whos more risk averse to balance their decision-making. David Russell, Equis Chairman, said, "As AsiaPacific's largest renewable energy IPP, Equis is excited about leveraging its economies of scale in the growing Australian market to deliver lowcost renewable energy. 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Prior to joining Equis, he worked as a commercial lawyer specialising in litigation and dispute resolution for 4 years. . 1 George Street #23-03 One George Street, Singapore 049145 Tel: +65 6220 0040 DAVID: I get people coming out of Europe and the U.S. saying that theyre worried about Asian re-regulation risk and governments taking away our assets, but that happens even in Southern Europe. Does Joo Chiat Need Another Italian Joint? Where: Developed markets across the Asia-Pacific region, with a primary focus on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Construction of the Tailem Bend Solar Project is expected to commence in early 2017. In Asia, power has always been the number one sector to invest in, not renewable energy. David is Chairman of the Che Sara Sara Foundation, a not-for-profit that supports vulnerable parents and children in crisis in Russia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines. Musk Made a Mess at Twitter. Singapore, 1 February 2017 Equis Energy (Equis), Asias largest independent renewable energy developer and investor, recently approved the development, construction and operation of two solar projects in South Australia and Queensland, Australia with a total generation capacity of 200MWAC (Projects). In 10 years, buildings can be fitted with solar panels and your phone could double as a storage device. Founder and leader David Russell got a yellow Lamborghini; his brother Tim, a personalized orange Porsche. MELPOMENE: Was your background crucial to your success? David Russell has 3 current jobs including CEO at Equis Funds Group, Director at Equis Energy, and Managing Director at Equis. MELPOMENE: Did your legal and finance background help you in this field? He studied Law/Economics at Monash University and worked as an energy and utilities lawyer with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington and with Minter Ellison in Melbourne. We definitely know a lot of people, but this business was not built on that. Outside of work, its important to be approachable and to talk to people, grab a beer with them, and let them know that I shouldnt be treated differently. Business isnt as aggressive as its been dramatised to be. Daniel LeeGroup Head, Corporate CommunicationsDaniel.lee@venaenergy.com, Juwon ChaeGroup Head, Sustainability and Investor RelationsIR@venaenergy.com. Roby has over 10 years experience of renewable energy transactions across Asia, completing over AUD$ 675m in deals. Marsh, a former Macquarie Group executive who joinedEquisin2014, isnt the only partner at the renewablesfundwho has splashed on his real estate dreams in recent months. Ronni Kahn, founder of the OzHarvest Charity, has a memoir coming out, titled A Repurposed Life. His thesis and work explore the . When we set up Equis, we told ourselves that were actually building stuff for once, everything weve doneweve actually built ourselves and without us, it will all just be flat land. Bibendum arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit. Called the Lady E, it's available to charter for a cool $767,840 a week. That makes you focus harder, question harder and dig deeper until youre personally satisfied with solutions. Equis, in partnership with the Sinan Municipality, is also establishing a fund through which the local community will invest into the project, enabling residents to benefit from Jara's long-term stable income stream. Head of Acquisitions, Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund (KOSPI), Bachelor of Commerce, LL.B, Canterbury University, NZ, Over 28 years of Asia-Pacific private equity and infrastructure advisory and investment experience, Former Macquarie Senior Managing Director & Head of Infrastructure Advisory for Korea and North Asia, Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Major in Business Economics, UC Santa Barbara, MBA, Sloan School of Business, MIT, Investments, Australia & New Zealand Equis since 2010, Over 28 years of Asia-Pacific infrastructure investment and advisory experience, having raised and invested over US$5bn of equity for Asian private equity, Former Macquarie Senior Managing Director & Head of Greater China & Asian Private Equity, Utilities lawyer, Skadden Arps (Washington DC) & Minter Ellison (Melbourne), Bachelor of Economics (Hons), LL.B (Hons), Monash University, Over 25 years of infrastructure investment experience, with 19 years in Australia, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Deakin University, Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School, Over 17 years of Asian private equity and infrastructure investment experience, Former Macquarie Vice President & Head of Acquisitions MENA (Abu Dhabi), MKIF investment team (Korea), Bachelor of Economics, Seoul National University, 1 George Street #23-03 In the battery sector, the prices are falling but their performance is improving. A good thing, no doubt. Please try again later. Credit:Jason South. The company was part of reportedly the largest global renewable energy transaction in history in 2018 when its subsidiary, Equis Energy, was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners for US$5 billion. The firm focuses on the development, construction, ownership and operation of energy, including renewable and hybrid (gas and renewable) systems, bioenergy and waste processing, and waste recovery infrastructure, across Asia Pacific. Equis Energy , AsiaPacific's largest renewable energy IPP, has been awarded a contract by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs' Bureau of Energy (BOE) to develop a 70.2 MW solar project in Chiayi County's Yizhu Township. We built this business in Asia from the ground up and none of our major investors were brought over from Macquarie. DAVID: Its all relative. And yet, whatever the package contained, I was willing to put up with it," Khan and co-author Jessica Chapnik Kahn write. Mahesh has over 14 years experience in infrastructure and real estate funds management across Asia. But to get to a certain point you have to think forward and consider all the paths and possibilities. David is a Managing Director of Equis and has 28 years of infrastructure and private equity experience. DAVID: Theres an element of that. DAVID: Definitely. You cant teach smarts, you either have a certain level of capability or you dont, and you have to be adaptable in this business. We have the saying: You eat what you kill. Kahn thought Anton was like Cary Grant. We started to participate because we saw an opportunity to make good money and invest in a growing sector. David.Russell@sbs.ox.ac.uk Sad Business School University of Oxford Park End Street Oxford OX1 1HP Profile David Russell has joined Sad Business School as an Executive in Residence, after having led the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) in England as CEO for 8 years and having previously served the UK government for 16. David graduated from their alma mater, Monash University and is currently based in Singapore, Central Singapore. David is a Managing Director of Equis and has 28 years of infrastructure and private equity experience. Out of jail: Cardinal George Pell on April 7, when he was released from Barwon Prison. When I left my previous employer, I didnt realize how risky it actually was. But even if we were to assume no change in battery technology, over the next 4 or 5 years, we need another $1.1 trillion just for the renewable energy space in Asia. I had been thinking about it for a number of years and with all my experience, I assumed it would be relatively easy. The combined power and large-scale generation certificates price of the Tailem Bend Solar Project is approximately 40% less than prevailing South Australian market prices, delivering significant savings to South Australian consumers. You connect it to the building, charge it up, and take it home to generate electricity for your house. Equis CEO David Russell is a key player in the Asia Pacific region's renewable energy game David Russell is the founder and CEO of Equis, a company that evolved from its roots as a funds management business to an infrastructure asset development company, Equis Development, in 2019. In contrast, if you look at Spain, the government gave concessions to the developers but re-regulated when they realised they couldnt afford to buy power. Its not just gratuitous givingwe want to actually improve peoples lives, because we build our plants in a lot of rural areas. This is firstly because Ive observed that as people become more autocratic, their decision-making becomes skewed and over time, they start to make costly mistakes, and very quickly theyre gone. in Painting/ Art History from the University of Tulsa. Co-Founder, Managing Director. Bryce has deep experience in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors, having worked on multiple global transactions totalling over AUD$ 27bn. Brighton Grammar old boy puts new $5.9m spin on Shane Warne's former pad. But what has changed is the level of desperation applied to the business when its your own. MELPOMENE: Do you ever watch popular films that depict the financial industry? The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. David Russell, Equis Chairman, said, "As AsiaPacific's largest renewable energy IPP, Equis is pleased to be playing an important role in Taiwan's transition to lowcost, clean energy. When I stepped out on my own, the thing that surprised me the most was that a lot of my relationships were premised on the basis that I was quite senior at Macquarie. These governments need to grow and theyre putting in place very stable regulatory regimes. Modest Rally in Asian Equities Expected as Regional Economies Remain Supportive and Valuations Reasonable, Dubai-Based Real Estate Developer Omniyat Launches Ultra-Luxury Beachfront Residences, Singapore Buyers Show Strong Interest in Mixed-Use Development in Londons Vauxhall, This Residential Tower in Dubai Features Interiors by Pagani, What to Expect at the Newly Reopened I12 Katong Retail Mall, Are You a HNWI? These days, Equis Development is setting its sights on consolidating its position in Asias renewable energy and biomass power generation markets, having developed more than 200 renewable energy and waste infrastructure projects across the region. Emma Alberici has landed a new gig, and, as promised, it's not on TV. David Russell attended Brighton Grammar from 1982 to 1987, and was the Captain of Rugby in his final year. I use a decision tree in that process and find that if you have the ability and willingness to think through the entire tree, you can map out where youre heading with a fair degree of certainty. 1 George Street #23-03 One George Street, Singapore 049145 Tel: +65 6220 0040 Athletes' ambitions don't end when they leave the field of play. I oversee, define, evolve, train, and advocate for enterprise standards and best practices related to Lean / Agile . DAVID: Even though Im the CEO, the decision-making is a collective process. Ed is a PhD-qualified grid connection expert with over 25 years of experience in renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution. Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Tel: +65 6220 0040, Legal Notice & Terms of Use Equis Energy had a clear strategy of developing and constructing renewable energy generation assets in Asian rural areas, and David mandated that each investment support the health, education and infrastructure of the communities in which each asset was located, changing the lives of thousands of vulnerable parents and children. David Russell, Equis Chairman, said: "As Asia-Pacific's largest renewable energy IPP, Equis is pleased to be playing an important role in Taiwan's transition to low-cost, clean energy. Vignesh has over 7 years experience in infrastructure investment and development across Asia. Weve got more than enough to invest in that space, and storage is just going to multiply that demand for capital. DAVID: Broadly speaking, it can affect investor confidencefor example, when the coups in Thailand hit the papers, people started calling us to ask about their investments. Youre right at the table with them as a trusted advisor. DAVID: Yeah, a number of them obviously felt that while our relationship was important, it was based on our work together, so they were more likely to do business with Macquarie than some guy whos just starting out. Do you worry about that? DAVID: Ive been forced to rethink of my priorities and came to the realisation that family is always number one to me. When the money cleared, the partners of Equis went shopping to celebrate. One of my early mentors said, David, if theres one thing I can teach you about doing business is that whatever you do, you must always act lawfully.. My mentor at that time made a habit of calling me for work even at 1 a.m. And they have a 24-hour turn over, so no matter how late your client meeting ends, you have to finish your work by the next day. Entrepreneur, Private Equity Professional, Brighton Grammar School Fees and payments, Senior Managing Director, Head of Asian Private Equity and Head of Greater China, Macquarie, Founding partner of Equis Energy and Equis Funds Group. DAVID: Skydiving! Ltd. Industry: Private Equity Position: Chief Executive Officer & Director Ownership Type: Individual Date Status Acquired: 10/01/2010 Ownership Stake: Less than 5% Employment Details Company/Fund Name: Equis Pte. I think that helps people remain human in this business. Were working to restore it. He led Equis development of wind and solar projects in the Philippines. Like the Mosman house, Marshs purchase on the Noosa waterfront is also expected to be a rebuild, withDA plans for a rebuild already lodged with Noosa Council. Will His AI Plans Be Any Different? Russell also chairs Equis Foundation and CSS Foundation, and plans to open a Russian community centre to support disabled and foster children and their parents. Equis' team brings focus, experience, passion and conviction. Prior to joining Equis, Damian spent over 18 years at Macquarie and was the Head of Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables (Australia and New Zealand) for Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, one of the worlds largest infrastructure owners and developers. The Tailem Bend Solar Project will be one of the lowest cost solar projects in Australia. Both plants will also be designed as battery-storage ready further enhancing their long term attractiveness as stable, low cost sources of power, added Mr Russell. See reunion dates, update your details and give to BGS. Mr Russell, the co-founder of Equis an offshore private equity group, has slapped a caveat on Shane Warne's Melbourne mansion in a deal worth close to $20m and is believed to be readying to fork out a further $22m for a Noosa beachfront home in what is a record price for the Queensland holiday region. That also affects performance and I think its partly why some investors prefer independent managers because the alignment of interest is stronger. US$5 billion sale of Equis Energy prompts Craig Marsh's high end real estate splurge, The Rosenthal family owned this three-bedroom house at Clifton Gardens since the 1940s. Our locally based staff boast a strong understanding of rural and regional Australia. While were driving for business success, we formally make a point to give back to the community. We offer a range of scholarships to give as many boys as possible the chance of a BGS education. MELPOMENE: They went silent because you left Macquarie? Instabilities in the region may give others pause, but we seek opportunities amidst them to keep growing. Over there, our local guys are empowered to identify and drive growth from bottom up. David Russell Full Name: David Charles Russell Company: Equis Pte. Monash University. The partners, most of them ex-Macquarie bankers, had delivered for their investors, who included some of the biggest institutional names in the world: the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Company (Utimco), Partners Group, Willis Towers Watson, BlackRock, JPMorgan Pension, numerous Australian superannuation funds, and others representing the Dutch, German and Malaysian state. These people deserve to be caught and punished, but they are certainly not the norm in the industry. MELPOMENE: The project developers dont have the discretion to make decisions locally? Equis is actively pursuing infrastructure development and investment across the Asia-Pacific region, with a primary focus on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Brighton Grammar old boy David Russell, the billionaire founder of the Singapore-based Equis private equity group, along with wife Elena, bought the mansion for about $20 million in an off-market deal in 2018. Some $1.3 billion of that was assumed liabilities, but still, it was a landmark: $3.7 billion of equity, the vast majority of it in unrestricted cash. Apparently Pell was flanked by a number of priests. Employ over 400 people during the construction phase. Damian has 23 years of infrastructure investment experience, with over 17 years experience in Asia Pacific, and has completed over AUD$ 27 billion of transactions across various sectors including renewable and conventional energy, telecommunications, waste, greenfield development, PPPs, and transportation. All rights reserved. We were also growing rapidly and did not want to give our competitors advance knowledge of what we were doing. But most importantly, if you want to be successful, youll have to work hard. The other guests in the restaurant said they had to pinch themselves. But there are a number of governments that came up with programmes to encourage investments in renewable energy. It could become micro power grid systems where power is generated and distributed locally. He has previously been Middle East editor of Euromoney, editor of Asiamoney, investment editor of the Australian Financial Review and a correspondent on emerging markets and sovereign wealth for numerous publications worldwide. Snowy Hydro is a leading integrated energy business in Australia which currently owns and operates 5,500MW of generation capacity across Australia, including the iconic 4,100MW Snowy Hydro-electric Scheme. Its interesting you asked because Im moving house now and while packing I came across my bucket list that I wrote with one of my daughters. By submitting this form, I agree to these terms and conditions. Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/ Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1988 - 1993; Skills. People hear about all these guys making so much money and they fear that its because theyre doing something theyre not supposed to be doing. Will Others Follow? David Russell attended Brighton Grammar from 1982 to 1987, and was the Captain of Rugby in his final year. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Kahn is frank in the book, telling a painful story about a former American boyfriend she calls Anton whom she dated after her marriage broke down. But he also told me theres no law stating that you cant act unreasonably [laughs]. The Tailem Bend Solar Project and Collinsville North Solar Project will: The Tailem Bend Solar Project and Collinsville North Solar Project will be two of Australias lowest cost solar generation projects and will contribute low cost solar power and new jobs into regional communities. The leafy streets of Brighton are mostly quiet, except at one of the suburbs most famous residences, Melville, the six-bedroom, six-bathroom single-level Middle Crescent mansion. Readers will recall Pell spent his first night of freedom upon his release in the Carmelite Monastery in Melbournes Kew, before being driven to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney's Homebush. MELPOMENE: Has ownership changed your motivation towards work? Brighton Grammar old boy David Russell, the billionaire founder of the Singapore-based Equis private equity group, along with wife Elena, bought the mansion for about $20 million in an off-market deal in 2018. DAVID: Years ago, we were just moving paper around. People start thinking that these are the bad guys, but based on my experience, its not the case. Apr 2022 - Present11 months. David Russell, Equis Chairman, said, "Equis has plans to invest US$1 billion in Taiwanese renewable energy, and we expect to play a leading role in developing the Taiwanese renewable energy market, to which the government has made a significant commitment. Its important to humble yourself. It plans to commit more than US$2billion into renewable energy and waste infrastructure assets across Australia, Japan and South Korea over the next twoyears. Hlne Darroze in Conversation With Violet Oon, DPR Construction Used Technology for the Construction of Curtin Singapore Without Physical Meet-Ups, How to Work With Family, and Still Like Each Other, Making Sense of Interest Rates Is Common Sense, Singapore Bond Markets: Sit Back, Lie Flat, Bond Market Thoughts: Sitting Around Waiting to Catch Covid, Union Bank of the Philippines to Issue First Social Bond, Inflation Rule of Thumb Means You Should Not Buy Bonds. Find contact details for 700 million professionals. Theres a whole bunch of things on there that I really dont want to do [laughs]. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If anything we are quite an introverted group, but we knew what we were talking about. To be developed entirely by Equis, the Tailem Bend Solar Project and Collinsville North Solar Project will bring the number of renewable energy projects under development and construction by Equis to 49. EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Ernst & Young Singapore), Senior Alumni Award (National University of Singapore School of Business). You see people in boardrooms using some of the terms that we do use in the industry, but the portrayal is largely inaccurate. That deal was a second innings for the spin bowler. We are committed to using innovative, responsible and sustainable practices to help Australia reach a carbon free future. Where does the fallout from the Adani crisis take India now? We care about delivering the best outcomes for our stakeholders and our collective experience allows us to develop high quality projects.