Hamburg, 10 February 2025 – Aquila Capital, an asset manager specialising in sustainable real asset investments, announces key additions to its Board of Directors. These strategic appointments reinforce the company’s commitment to accelerating growth, delivering resilient returns to both institutional and retail clients while supporting clean energy initiatives and contributing to the decarbonisation of global infrastructure.

Effective as of February 2025, Florian Becker has taken on the role of Chief Executive Of-ficer (CEO), succeeding the former Speaker of the Management Board, Harald Schönebeck, who transitioned to a Senior Advisor position. Florian brings nearly a decade of leadership expertise within the Aquila Group, where he has held numerous senior positions, including roles as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Counsel. As a long-standing member of Aquila Capital’s management team, he has played a key role in building and shaping the company since its foundation. His in-depth knowledge of the company’s business model and strategic vision makes him uniquely qualified to steer Aquila Capital’s ambitious expansion and initiatives in the field of sustainable real asset investments.

Silvia Schmitten-Walgenbach has assumed responsibility as Chief Operating Officer (COO) after joining Aquila Capital in October 2024. A seasoned executive with a distin-guished international background of over 30 years in the financial business, Silvia’s career includes leadership roles at renowned investment banks and real estate investment companies. Her comprehensive expertise and deep familiarity with the industry equip her to enhance operational excellence and further build a market leading organisation.

In addition, Michael Hacker stepped into the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in December 2024. With almost 20 years of experience in various German and international leadership roles at Commerzbank and a strong background in financial services consulting, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in international finance. His expertise will play a critical role in advancing Aquila Capital’s financial strategy.

Lars Kühne, Chief Risk Officer of Aquila Group, has taken over the role as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of Aquila Capital from Harald Schönebeck. Lars Kühne held functional management responsibility for the Risk Management and Valuation division of Aquila Capital since join-ing the company in February 2023. His leadership in this capacity ensures continuity and a seamless transition of responsibilities. Markus Wandt has 30 years of professional experience and more than 17 years track record of investing in sustainable energy infrastructure and related sectors, following his career in investment banking. Markus joined Aquila Capital in March 2022 and has been Chief Investment Officer (CIO) since 2023.

Christoph Wallrich, heading Fund Management of Aquila Capital, will now also act as Head of Luxembourg.

Helge Papenhausen, Chief Compliance & Governance Officer, and Till Schulz-Eickhorst, Head Real Estate, will be stepping down from the Board of Directors but will continue to serve in leadership roles within the company.

Strategic ambition 

Aquila Capital is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable real asset investments by diversifying its investor base, scaling fund strategies and entering new markets. To achieve this, the company is expanding beyond institutional investors to attract retail and whole-sale clients through products like ELTIF funds. It is also strengthening its fund offering by focusing on large-scale growth and launching thematic funds that support innovative technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) and other energy transition solu-tions. Additionally, Aquila Capital is actively exploring new opportunities in key European and global markets. Its strategic partnership with Commerzbank, established last year, enhances distribution channels and accelerates fund growth, further reinforcing Aquila Capital’s role in the transition to a Net Zero economy.

Florian Becker, CEO of Aquila Capital, commented: “I am committed to driving Aquila Capital’s growth towards our ambition of becoming a leading asset manager for sustainable investment strategies across Europe and beyond. The recent appointments have further strengthened our leadership team, equipping us with the expertise and vision needed to deliver innovative investment strategies and create lasting value for our stakeholders. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Harald Schönebeck, Helge Papenhausen and Till Schulz-Eickhorst for their outstanding contribution and leadership during a time of transition.”