DAVID: I do, and sometimes you cant avoid people feeling intimidated but you have to continually try to break that barrier down. in Public Practice from Otis College of Art and Design in 2011. We acknowledge that our school is on the Country of the people of the Kulin Nations. My partners and I put everything into this businessfinancially and personallyand if it were to fail, we would sink with the ship. CRICOS Provider Code: 00132K. An army of builders is carrying out a $5.9 million upgrade at the heritage property, famously owned (not once, but twice) by former Test cricketer Shane Warne. Thomas has over 20 years experience working in a range of business development and energy trading roles. Singapore, 27 March, 2017 In 2015, Equis, Asias largest independent renewable energy investor, commissioned nine (9) solar, wind and hydro projects in India, Japan and the Philippines, with a total generation capacity of 407.4 MW. 2023 High Net Worth All rights reserved. DAVID: I am always trying to take on more responsibility or have more control over what Im doing. Daniel LeeGroup Head, Corporate CommunicationsDaniel.lee@venaenergy.com, Juwon ChaeGroup Head, Sustainability and Investor RelationsIR@venaenergy.com. That makes you focus harder, question harder and dig deeper until youre personally satisfied with solutions. Craig Marsh settled upon a black McLaren with carbon-fibre trims. Co-Founder, Managing Director. Its not all hindsight. Brighton Grammar old boy puts new $5.9m spin on Shane Warne's former pad. Bibendum arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit. Brighton Grammar is a leading private boys school in Melbourne, understanding boys from ELC to VCE. In MinterEllison, you tend to work more with the general counsel but at Skadden, youre working directly with the CEO and CFOs. But to get to a certain point you have to think forward and consider all the paths and possibilities. If you benchmark me against our local project developers, Im risk-averse; but if you benchmark me against a credit guy from a central bank, youll probably view me as risk-seeking [laughs]. Bryce has deep experience in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors, having worked on multiple global transactions totalling over AUD$ 27bn. At one point, Pell who was dressed in what one observer described as "priestly regalia" gave a short speech and toast. 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. ", Emma Alberici has landed a new gig, and, as promised, it's not on TV.Credit:ABC. DAVID: If youre intelligent, adaptable, and willing to work hard, you can be very successful without a legal or finance background. David Russell Helping Scaling SaaS and Renewables companies find the best talent Ireland. In 2005-2010, based in Seoul and Hong Kong, David established three infrastructure private equity funds, including one of the first and largest South Korean private funds. 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. Now more than ever, players rightly see themselves as multi-faceted entrepreneurs, and seek ways to leverage their brands in everything from real estate to venture capital. Bryce Paterson is a legal professional with over 10 years of experience both internationally and domestically in Australia. David is also . When the money cleared, the partners of Equis went shopping to celebrate. You can only aspire to be like them. One George Street, Singapore 049145 DAVID: They are expected to chase and secure opportunities, and I review their decisions just to make sure that what we put in place for, say the Philippines, is consistent across our entire business. Supply the annual power needs of 63,165 homes. Our experience, expertise, proven track record and strong relationships allow us to develop world-class energy assets on time, on budget and to the highest standard. MELPOMENE HUA: Why did you decide to be profiled after years of being under the radar? Apr 2022 - Present11 months. The former ABC chief economics editor is writing a book for Hardie Grant, Rewrite the Story. Business isnt as aggressive as its been dramatised to be. 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. David Russell, Equis Funds Group CEO, said, "This year Equis expanded our renewable energy investments in both India and Japan, and added two major projects in the Philippines. 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. MELPOMENE: Large corporations are almost inevitably hierarchical. They are part of C-Suite Department and their management level is C-Level. 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. While were driving for business success, we formally make a point to give back to the community. How: Equis covers every stage of a projects lifecycle including origination, development, design construction, and engineering, to operation and maintenance, asset management, and performance optimisation. Now the four-car basement garage is expanding to fit six, while the basement will accommodate a theatre, rumpus room, wine cellar, arcade room, plus a "modelling/crafts" room. Over 22 years of Asia-Pacific private equity and infrastructure advisory and investment experience, Former Director & Board Member of Denham Capital Asia Pacific. Celebrity food writer Melissa Leong and chef Kylie Kwong are relegated to the inside cover, alongside Jimmy Barnes. Shane Warne sold the Brighton mansion for about $20m in 2018. Will His AI Plans Be Any Different? MELPOMENE: Have you ever been forced to rethink your life? Equis Development has announced investments into the South Korean waste and solar markets, and the Japanese biomass market. But what were we adding back to society? Do you worry about that? Chief Executive Officer @ Equis; Senior Managing Director @ Macquarie Group; Education. 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 . 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. Greater Newcastle Area. Vignesh has over 7 years experience in infrastructure investment and development across Asia. 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 Theres a lot of information coming at you and you need to have the ability to identify the issue thats embedded in that information. In Asia, power has always been the number one sector to invest in, not renewable energy. She tells CBD she will be based in Sydney, rather than the comparison sites Brisbane headquarters. The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. 2023 Tatler Asia Limited. Construction of the Collinsville North Solar Project is expected to commence in 2017. The newspapers report big losses and movies like Too Big to Fail contribute to that negative impression. 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. That is unheard of in other places but that was the Skadden mindsetthey were tough and uncompromising. Apparently Pell was flanked by a number of priests. 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. Ltd. Pell, according to CBD spies, was seated at the middle of a long table, with about a dozen people, and knew some of the guests at smaller tables flanking the high table. So while I was growing and being mentored, I had that slight frustration. You cant teach smarts, you either have a certain level of capability or you dont, and you have to be adaptable in this business. And yet, whatever the package contained, I was willing to put up with it," Khan and co-author Jessica Chapnik Kahn write. David Russell works as a Chief Executive Officer & Partner at Equis, which is a Finance company with an estimated 83 employees. After building the Korean private equity business, I felt that it was time to do it myself rather than rely on an institutional brand. 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. "It was like the last supper," one onlooker said. All rights reserved. Once I became nobody, a lot of those people actually went silent. Asia-Pacific-focused renewables designer Equis Development Pte Ltd has actually taken control of an AUD-1.9-billion (USD 1.28 bn/EUR 1.23 bn) battery energy storage space project near Melbourne, Victoria, and is now relaunching it with a new name as well as increased capacity. DAVID: Yes, and theyve gone down a certain path that they may not even be aware of until they eventually just take it too far in trying to make money. MELPOMENE: Does the intermittency of solar and wind energy coupled with the lack of storage capabilities mean theres a limit to how much you can invest? It was during that painful life phase that Kahn had an idea: taking beautiful food left over from her events business and using it to feed people in need. You see people in boardrooms using some of the terms that we do use in the industry, but the portrayal is largely inaccurate. David Russell He has delivered assets in Europe, Middle East and Australia. Weve surprised the market with our growth, which now outstrips our previous employer, and you start to see a lot of these old relationships coming back. Several months earlier a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), with partners including the China Investment Corporation sovereign wealth fund, had agreed to buy the renewable energy asset portfolio of Equis, a Singapore-headquartered independent infrastructure asset manager, for $5 billion. We acknowledge that our school is on the Country of the people of the Kulin Nations. 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. In Equis, all the senior people feel like theyre involved in the decision-making process and in terms of remuneration, its a meritocracy here. David Russell who has made his fortune as the cofounder of Singapore-based private equity group Equis has been spending time aboard the impressive vessel with his family. 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. "Australia represents one of the most exciting solar power generation markets globally and Equis expects to build over $1 billion of new projects over the next 24-36 months," director David Russell said in the press release. In 20045, he was Head of Macquaries Principal Transactions Group before becoming a Senior Managing Director, Head of Asian Private Equity and Head of Greater China. 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. Tel: +65 6220 0040, Legal Notice & Terms of Use DAVID K. RUSSELL. MELPOMENE: Do you ever watch popular films that depict the financial industry? DAVID: People dont understand the industry, its very complex and even I dont understand some parts of it. 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. Kahn thought Anton was like Cary Grant. These people deserve to be caught and punished, but they are certainly not the norm in the industry. 1 George Street #23-03 One George Street, Singapore 049145 Tel: +65 6220 0040 Founding partner and CEO, Equis Development, Equis CEO David Russell is a key player in the Asia Pacific regions renewable energy game. China Equities: Yesterdays Story or More Compelling Than Ever? 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. Russell received his M.F.A. California Weighs $360,000 in Reparations to Eligible Black Residents. Yes, Only if Its Forma. The Projects will involve a capital investment of approximately A$400 million. His thesis and work explore the . 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). 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. In the Philippines, for example, the government budgets ahead so that they can afford power they need. 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. Ed has managed $13b of electricity regulated and commercial assets as GM for AusNets Transmission and Distribution networks. Marshssplurgefollows the US$5 billion sale of renewable energy firm Equis Energy to US fund Global Infrastructure Partners in January, billed in financial media as the largestrenewable energy generation acquisition in history. Find contact details for 700 million professionals. If theres a physical tussle over the South China Sea, its not going to affect our facilities. In Blacklisting Inspur, US Targets Partner Used by Intel and IBM, Twitter Revenue, Earnings Fell About 40% in December, WSJ Says, China E-Commerce Giant JD Set for $1.4 Billion Discount Spree, Bolsonaro Says Mission Isnt Over as US Conservatives Fete Him, Biden Closes In on Order to Restrict US Investment in China Tech, Harrods Shrugs Off Recession Fears as Rich Get Richer, FT Says, Wealthy NYC Family Feuds Over $258 Million Madison Avenue Sale, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61. The proceeds of the biggest renewable energy deal in history have helped Equispartner Craig Marshfund a $10 million-plus waterfront property spending spree. But her kids thought he was a phoney. The partners, most of them ex-Macquarie bankers, had delivered for their investors, who included some of the biggest institutional names in the world: the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Company (Utimco), Partners Group, Willis Towers Watson, BlackRock, JPMorgan Pension, numerous Australian superannuation funds, and others representing the Dutch, German and Malaysian state. He was far, far from perfect. Its not just gratuitous givingwe want to actually improve peoples lives, because we build our plants in a lot of rural areas. Others Named David Russell. As the former CEO and Chairman of Equis Energy, David raised and invested over AUD$ 7.9 billion of equity in independent and institutional infrastructure funds across Asia-Pacific. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When I started out of university, my peer group worked really hard and they were more dedicated. Theres a whole bunch of things on there that I really dont want to do [laughs]. You connect it to the building, charge it up, and take it home to generate electricity for your house. When I interview young people now, I hear more and more of them talk about work-life balancesomething that we never talked about when I was younger. He sold Equis Energy, which he founded in 2011, for (US) $5bn in 2017. Abigail Koch, Compare the Market general manager public relations, said they had been "smashed" by media requests. Andrew has over 20 years' experience with energy infrastructure projects, specialising in thermal energy project development and construction. While were driving for business success, we formally make a point to give back to the community. Mindy has over 14 years experience in infrastructure, power and renewable energy in Australia and South East Asia. On Thursday, CBDs local operative spotted no fewer than seven utes, four vans and a truck surrounding the site. Youre always very careful when you speak to people and you disagree politely, rarely do people ever thump the table and storm out like they do in movies. As CEO, David has raised and invested seven infrastructure private equity funds comprising over US$5 billion of equity for some of Asia-Pacifics largest independent and institutional infrastructure funds. Over there, our local guys are empowered to identify and drive growth from bottom up. 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. My partners and I put everything into this businessfinancially and personallyand if it were to fail, we would sink with the ship. Founder and leader David Russell got a yellow Lamborghini; his brother Tim, a personalized orange Porsche. DAVID: The plant operations, business development and growth are in other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Japan and India. As for the finance background, well, youve got to know the numbers when it comes to running a business. Another guest wore a blazer bearing an Order of Australia gong on their lapel. What: Equis is focused 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 assets. We're sure the builders are observing strict social distancing protocols during stage four lockdown. DAVID: As I became more senior in Macquarie, I thought that I was breaking through the politics and creating more autonomy for myself, when in fact I was just extending my network of relations within the organisation. being driven to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd. The Tailem Bend Solar Project will be one of the lowest cost solar projects in Australia. These governments need to grow and theyre putting in place very stable regulatory regimes. MELPOMENE: Was your background crucial to your success? Senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas sed. 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. As Asias largest independent renewable energy IPP, Equis is wellplaced to continue our rapid growth in the worlds fastestgrowing renewable energy market., Daniel LeeGroup Head, Corporate CommunicationsDaniel.lee@venaenergy.com, Juwon ChaeGroup Head, Sustainability and Investor RelationsIR@venaenergy.com. HSBC Orion tokenizes commercial bank money and sterling bonds, PrivEx brings syndicated loan-trading platform to Europe. in Painting/ Art History from the University of Tulsa. MELPOMENE: You were well-connected and had the expertise, but was it still a risky move? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. But the reality is that our investments have never been touched by any of these political instabilities and I think thats a credit to the regulatory regimes. I oversee, define, evolve, train, and advocate for enterprise standards and best practices related to Lean / Agile . They had reason to celebrate. Alberici's new gig is chief strategy government relations and communications officer. Interest is certainly high. Some of these people want to take a shortcut instead of working hard and they may cut corners, which is unlawful. 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. Prior to joining Equis, he was the Head of Trading and Wholesale Markets at Goldwind Australia. Equis Funds Group CEO 2010 Equis Energy Director Equis Managing Director Education Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/ Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1988 - 1993; Skills. He was charming and once flew her to Hong Kong for dinner. Euromoney, is part of the Delinian Group, Delinian Limited, 8 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX, Registered in England & Wales, Company number 00954730. Prior to joining Equis, Liz held planning and permitting roles at Goldwind. MELPOMENE: Whats one thing off the top of your head? David Russell has 3 current jobs including CEO at Equis Funds Group, Director at Equis Energy, and Managing Director at Equis. A good thing, no doubt. DAVID: The level at which you can supply renewable energy into the grid is actually quite highfor example, Germany is at around 50% now and theyre targeting 100%. In the Netherlands, theyve started using solar panels on their bike paths, so in the future you might not need large scale solar panels. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. In 2011, David established Equis Energy. But there are a number of governments that came up with programmes to encourage investments in renewable energy. 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. Will Others Follow? If anything we are quite an introverted group, but we knew what we were talking about. I think that helps people remain human in this business. We are committed and responsive to the communities we serve. He also has extensive investment and Mergers and Acquisitions experience in renewable energy across Asia. MELPOMENE: Skadden has a terrific reputation, how was it like working there? Its interesting how that has come full circle. There are already storage systems that are very profitable, and one of them is pump storage. Everything comes back to the numbers. MELPOMENE: Given that R&D in this sector is changing so quickly, are you concerned that your solar and wind facilities might become obsolete? There is no substitute for hard work. Does Joo Chiat Need Another Italian Joint? We were also growing rapidly and did not want to give our competitors advance knowledge of what we were doing. And thats very important because we now have 84 projects totaling close to 8 billion dollars. The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. We offer a range of scholarships to give as many boys as possible the chance of a BGS education. David Russell, Equis Group CEO, commented, "As Asia's largest renewable energy developer and investor, the Tailem Bend Solar Project represents an exciting expansion into Australia for Equis and an unique opportunity to leverage our development and construction expertise to deliver low cost, large scale, reliable renewable energy for . The strategy of remaining quiet has worked well, but its now time to engage. We wish to honour the connection to Country of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to their Traditional Custodians and Elders past, present and emerging. It plans to commit more than US$2billion into renewable energy and waste infrastructure assets across Australia, Japan and South Korea over the next twoyears. 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"He was sitting in the middle of a long dinner table, and there was no one sitting opposite. MELPOMENE: Hasnt that kind of short-term focus change with the increasing number of young people becoming entrepreneurs? MELPOMENE: Those who behave egregiously are a very small percentage of the industry. But there are a number of governments that came up with programmes to encourage investments in renewable energy. That also affects performance and I think its partly why some investors prefer independent managers because the alignment of interest is stronger. 1 George Street #23-03 One George Street, Singapore 049145 Tel: +65 6220 0040 By submitting this form, I agree to these terms and conditions. Secondly, hierarchical environments create ceilings and politics. He studied Law/Economics at Monash University and worked as an energy and utilities lawyer with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington and with Minter Ellison in Melbourne. Equis is actively pursuing infrastructure development and investment across the Asia-Pacific region, with a primary focus on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Copyright 2023 Equis Development Pte. MELPOMENE: Steve Jobs said that you can only connect the dots looking backwardsis that true of your experiences? In 2010, David founded Equis Funds Group, Asia-Pacifics largest independent infrastructure private equity manager. Damian has 23 years of infrastructure investment experience, with over 17 years experience in Asia Pacific, and has completed over AUD$ 27 billion of transactions across various sectors including renewable and conventional energy, telecommunications, waste, greenfield development, PPPs, and transportation. DAVID: I do. The end point comes when Anton is in hospital overnight and another woman turns up by his bedside "with eyes only for Anton". Where: Developed markets across the Asia-Pacific region, with a primary focus on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. The pieces, which covered the strategies big businesses used to trim their tax burden, ended up being rewritten and republished. And while the neighbours wont notice much of a difference from the historic frontage, it is clear where the vast outlay is going. the card range not supported by the system,