1^st of September, GlobalConnect will complete a long-planned transition in the role of Group CEO, as current Group CFO Lasse Pilgaard succeeds Martin Lippert, who is stepping down at his own request. Lasse Pilgaard will lead the next phase of growth for the Nordic fiber group, which reported revenue of SEK 8 billion in 2025 and employs 1,800 people.

Alongside the publication of the annual report for 2025, GlobalConnect announces that Lasse Pilgaard will assume the role of Group CEO on 1 September, when Martin Lippert steps down after 13 years in the position to focus on board roles.

In 2025, GlobalConnect delivered total revenue of SEK 8 billion and continued its growth, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 11.6% to SEK 4.8 billion. The company further expanded its fiber network, which now spans more than 250,000 km across the Nordics, supported by total investments of SEK 4.5 billion in 2025.

“Under Martin Lippert’s strong leadership, GlobalConnect has developed into one of the leading providers of digital infrastructure. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Martin for his significant contribution, which has resulted in more than a decade of consistent growth. Through the consolidation of national fiber companies, GlobalConnect today stands as a critical infrastructure provider across the Nordic region. At the same time, we are very pleased that Lasse Pilgaard has accepted the role of CEO. Over the past three years, Lasse has been a key part of GlobalConnect’s strong development, and brings the experience and insight required to lead the company forward and further strengthen its position in the Nordic market," says Eric Elzvik, Chairman of the Board of Directors for GlobalConnect.

New CEO, same strategic direction
The handover of the CEO role on 1 September marks the final step in a transition that has been underway for some time. Lasse Pilgaard joined GlobalConnect as CFO in 2023, following CFO roles both within and outside the telecom industry. Over the past three years, he has been a member of GlobalConnect’s Corporate Leadership Team, working closely with CEO Martin Lippert and playing a key role in shaping the Group’s strategy towards 2030.

The ambition is to maintain a position at the forefront of customers’ digital needs, drive continued growth and substantial investments, while progressively moving the business towards a more capital-efficient and self-funded model.

"It is a privilege to lead a company with a strong position in the market, a clear strategic direction and skilled employees who build and operate vital digital infrastructure throughout the Nordic region. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Martin - both for our close collaboration in recent years and for the strong GlobalConnect he is leaving behind," says Lasse Pilgaard.

Martin Lippert: "The time is right"
Martin Lippert has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He became CEO of GlobalConnect in 2018 following the merger with the Norwegian telecommunications company Broadnet, where he had served as CEO since 2013.

"I have long been determined to step down from my CEO career before turning 60. Now that 2025 has been successfully completed and a strong successor is in place, the timing is right. It is a pleasure to hand over a company in strong shape to Lasse. At the same time, I look forward to being able to focus more on board roles," says Martin Lippert.

In connection with the transition, GlobalConnect has hired a new Group CFO, who will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Lasse Pilgaard
Lasse Pilgaard is an experienced executive with a strong background in driving transformation in complex companies and strategic decisions at group level. He began his career at McKinsey & Company and has since held CFO roles in TDC Group and most recently in the international listed gaming company MTG.

Highlights from Lasse's CV

• Group CFO, GlobalConnect (2023 – present)
• Group CFO, Modern Times Group (MTG) (2022 – 2023)
• Group CFO & Senior Executive Vice President, TDC Group (2016 – 2021)
• COO, Autobutler (2014 – 2016)
• Investment Manager, Creandum (2013 – 2014)
• Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company (2011 – 2013)

About Martin Lippert

Martin Lippert joined the Norwegian fiber company Broadnet as CEO in 2013. In 2018, Broadnet merged with the Danish company GlobalConnect under the ownership of EQT. This was followed by a merger with the Swedish fiber company IP-Only in 2020, laying the foundation for a pan-Nordic fiber platform.

Under Martin Lippert's leadership, revenue has grown from just over SEK 1 billion to SEK 8 billion, while the number of employees has increased from approximately 400 to 1800. In 2013, Broadnet operated 24,000 km of fiber network, while GlobalConnect today operates 250,000 km of fiber and 23 data centers across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Northern Germany.