With the appointment of Lars Villadsen and Emma Nehrenheim, KIRKBI Climate is strengthening its leadership capabilities as the company moves from a thematic investor to an active owner that helps build, scale and operate businesses within energy transition, circular plastics, and land sustainability.
Lars Villadsen brings more than 20 years of international experience in finance, operations, investments, and business building across the energy transition. He is currently CEO of Aspenall Energies Services, a US-based renewable energy developer and operator. Previously, he co-founded Glentra Capital, where he served as CFO/COO and Operating Partner. Prior to Glentra, Lars spent 12 years at Vestas, including seven years as CFO for North America.
Emma Nehrenheim is a senior industrial leader with more than 20 years of experience across the energy transition. She currently serves as Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance and Strategic Leader for the Battery Portfolio at EIT InnoEnergy. Prior to this, she spent eight years at Northvolt, where she held several senior leadership roles, including founding and leading Northvolt Revolt and serving as President of the Materials Business Unit.
Anupam Bhargava, CEO of KIRKBI Climate, said:
"We are transforming KIRKBI Climate from an investor to a business builder, taking active ownership to scale companies that deliver real climate impact. Lars and Emma bring exactly the financial, operational and technical experience we need to put that strategy into action, as we help tackle some of the world's toughest climate challenges."
KIRKBI Climate currently manages a portfolio of more than DKK 10 billion and plans to invest an additional DKK 10 billion over five years to build high-impact businesses that deliver both sustainable climate solutions and lasting value.
Emma Nehrenheim will join KIRKBI Climate on 1 November 2026, followed by Lars Villadsen on 1 December 2026.
About KIRKBI Climate A/S
KIRKBI Climate is owned by KIRKBI A/S, the holding company of the LEGO Group and other companies owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family. With a purpose of building a better future for children, KIRKBI Climate addresses global climate change by building high-impact businesses focused on the energy transition, circular plastics, and land sustainability. KIRKBI Climate builds businesses based on proven and mature technologies, while also exploring and investing in emerging and promising solutions that require long-term capital to scale and make a meaningful impact on climate challenges.
Contact
Carsten Birkeland Kjær
Communications Director, KIRKBI Climate
