Equis Wins Public Tender to Develop Taiwan's Largest Solar Project 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. Equis becomes owner of USD-1.3 bn battery project in Victoria 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. Not the David Russell you were looking for? He led Equis development of solar, wind, biomass and waste infrastructure projects in Japan before returning to Australia in 2021. In 2011, David established Equis Energy. DAVID: Theres an element of that. 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. Craig Marsh settled upon a black McLaren with carbon-fibre trims. 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. Our People - equis.com.au The proceeds of the biggest renewable energy deal in history have helped Equispartner Craig Marshfund a $10 million-plus waterfront property spending spree. David Russell - Oakland, California, United States - LinkedIn 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. She wasnt joking. Bibendum arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc sed velit. I think that helps people remain human in this business. . But her kids thought he was a phoney. 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. While were driving for business success, we formally make a point to give back to the community. DAVID: Skydiving! And guess who was right? 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. The other guests in the restaurant said they had to pinch themselves. In the Philippines, for example, the government budgets ahead so that they can afford power they need. Its not just gratuitous giving. Will Others Follow? Thats My Happy Place!, Rediscovering Myself Through My Sons Special Needs, Dr Wealths Alvin Chow: I Turned My Passion Into a Mission, Meet Shin Lim, the Magician Who Wowed America, This New Clinic Wants You to Get Proactive About Preventive Care, Graphic Artist Malika Favre on Pioneering Her Own Pop and Op Art Style, The World of Cats According to Author-Illustrator Susie Yi, Influential Brands Survey Shows How Prominent Brands in Singapore Overcame Covid-19 Challenges, The Secret to Beijing Tong Ren Tangs 350-Year Longevity, Influential Brands Launches Two New Platforms for Business Leaders and Influencers, Why Raffles Hotel Singapore Is One of the Best Companies to Work for. Equis Commissioned over 400MW of Renewable Energy Projects So guests at Sydneys Alfredo restaurant at Circular Quay did a double take when they walked into the harbourside institution and spotted the Cardinal on Wednesday evening. DAVID: Thats the million-dollar question. MELPOMENE: Large corporations are almost inevitably hierarchical. People start thinking that these are the bad guys, but based on my experience, its not the case. Brighton Grammar old boy puts new $5.9m spin on Shane Warne's former pad. The knock-down rebuild of the rear of the house will feature two linked pavilions and include a dining and kitchen space as well as rumpus room, a master bedroom and gym. 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. 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. I like to think that I dont have a fear of heights, but the idea of jumping out of a plane and not knowing for sure if the parachute is going to work can be intimidating. 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. That grew to be OzHarvest. 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. 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. Ive always worked long hours and that hasnt changed. Our locally based staff boast a strong understanding of rural and regional Australia. But what has changed is the level of desperation applied to the business when its your own. CRICOS Provider Code: 00132K. Others Named David Russell. Here in Singapore, we talk about how to implement their strategies as well as manage the risk consistently across the different geographies. 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%. Where does the fallout from the Adani crisis take India now? Thats a real problem with succession planning because you might lose the person you really want to keep because theyre frustrated at the lack of opportunities to grow. Youre right at the table with them as a trusted advisor. We built this business in Asia from the ground up and none of our major investors were brought over from Macquarie. DAVID: I am always trying to take on more responsibility or have more control over what Im doing. MELPOMENE: Do you ever watch popular films that depict the financial industry? 2023 Tatler Asia Limited. Shane Warne sold the Brighton mansion for about $20m in 2018. We wish to honour the connection to Country of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to their Traditional Custodians and Elders past, present and emerging. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I had been thinking about it for a number of years and with all my experience, I assumed it would be relatively easy. Prior to joining Equis, he worked as a commercial lawyer specialising in litigation and dispute resolution for 4 years. Vignesh has over 7 years experience in infrastructure investment and development across Asia. As the former CEO and Chairman of Equis Energy, David raised and invested over AUD$ 7.9 billion of equity in independent and institutional infrastructure funds across Asia-Pacific. 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. MELPOMENE: Did your legal and finance background help you in this field? 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. Founding partner and CEO, Equis Development, Equis CEO David Russell is a key player in the Asia Pacific regions renewable energy game. "Athlete | Empire" presents the in-depth, intimate stories of these businesses, as told by the players themselves. Snowy Hydro has agreed to purchase 100% of the power produced from the Tailem Bend Solar Project for at least 22 years. Another guest wore a blazer bearing an Order of Australia gong on their lapel. DAVID: Absolutely. DAVID K. RUSSELL. David Russell - Equis In MinterEllison, you tend to work more with the general counsel but at Skadden, youre working directly with the CEO and CFOs. On Thursday, CBDs local operative spotted no fewer than seven utes, four vans and a truck surrounding the site. 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. 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. In 10 years, buildings can be fitted with solar panels and your phone could double as a storage device. 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. PDF For Immediate Release Equis Acquires South Korean Hybrid Solar 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. 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. 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. DAVID: I sound really old when I say this [laughs], but I feel there is a generational shift. 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. DAVID: The plant operations, business development and growth are in other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Japan and India. A good thing, no doubt. David Russell - Equis Development Pte. Ltd. MELPOMENE: How has it been different at Equis? Equis Development has announced investments into the South Korean waste and solar markets, and the Japanese biomass market. In addition, the Tailem Bend Solar Project has been developed to facilitate large scale battery storage further enhancing the base load like nature of the projects.. David Russell - Director, Technology Practices and Standards - LinkedIn Andrew has over 20 years' experience with energy infrastructure projects, specialising in thermal energy project development and construction. Liz has over 14 years' experience of statutory planning experience within the infrastructure and renewable energy sector in Australia. MELPOMENE: Skadden has a terrific reputation, how was it like working there? 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. He has held senior roles in energy infrastructure asset owners, developers, and consultancy firms engaged with renewable energy across wind, solar and storage in Australia, Europe, Central America and SE Asia. 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. MELPOMENE: They went silent because you left Macquarie? Its interesting how that has come full circle. DAVID: Its all relative. California Weighs $360,000 in Reparations to Eligible Black Residents. DAVID: Even though Im the CEO, the decision-making is a collective process. Theres a whole bunch of things on there that I really dont want to do [laughs]. 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. being driven to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd. The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. In Equis, all the senior people feel like theyre involved in the decision-making process and in terms of remuneration, its a meritocracy here. That deal was a second innings for the spin bowler. At work, I am direct with people and I encourage them to be the same with me. MELPOMENE: What gave you the foresight to begin investing in renewable energy in 2011? 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 also have a responsibility to the company in this respect, and were trying to be more socially orientated now. The end point comes when Anton is in hospital overnight and another woman turns up by his bedside "with eyes only for Anton". They had reason to celebrate. Ronni Kahn, founder of the OzHarvest Charity, has a memoir coming out, titled A Repurposed Life. In Asia, power has always been the number one sector to invest in, not renewable energy. David Russell. He covers the Asia Pacific region and is based in Singapore. DAVID: We have that in our business model by having compensation tied to the performance of the business through carried interest. ", Emma Alberici has landed a new gig, and, as promised, it's not on TV.Credit:ABC. Prior to joining Equis, Vincenzo held roles with Canadian Solar, Raygen Resources, ABB and various European solar companies and technology providers. Construction of the Tailem Bend Solar Project is expected to commence in early 2017. Those inside the restaurant overheard the dinner was held to mark his release from jail. Empower. Over there, our local guys are empowered to identify and drive growth from bottom up. 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. The clearance of funds that day in January 2018 marked the conclusion of the biggest renewable energy sale ever completed. His work has included regulatory advice, project delivery advice, and transactional advice. MELPOMENE: Have you ever been forced to rethink your life? Equis has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Snowy Hydro Limited (Snowy Hydro) for a 100MWAC solar project located near Tailem Bend, South Australia (Tailem Bend Solar Project), which will be constructed alongside a Snowy Hydro owned 28.8MWAC diesel-fired power station. But maybe thats a good thing, you see all these people whose primary focus has been work all their lives and sometimes when a death happens in the family, all of a sudden they stop and go: What am I doing? Employ over 400 people during the construction phase. One George Street, Singapore 049145 So by removing the glass ceiling, we dont lose our senior people as we grow. You see people in boardrooms using some of the terms that we do use in the industry, but the portrayal is largely inaccurate. As Asia's largest independent renewable energy IPP, Equis is wellplaced to continue our rapid growth in the world's fastestgrowing renewable energy market Everything comes back to the numbers. David Russell earned his B.F.A. Some of these people want to take a shortcut instead of working hard and they may cut corners, which is unlawful. David Russell | Sad Business School Roby has over 10 years experience of renewable energy transactions across Asia, completing over AUD$ 675m in deals. David Russell, Equis Funds Group: Profile and Biography - Bloomberg Markets Sign In Subscribe Live Now Bloomberg TV+ Bloomberg Studio 1.0:Tony Xu, DoorDash CEO Bloomberg Radio The Big. The strategy of remaining quiet has worked well, but its now time to engage. Its important to humble yourself. DAVID: My legal background helped me because it gave me discipline and an eye for detail. 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. You connect it to the building, charge it up, and take it home to generate electricity for your house. 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. MELPOMENE: How do you envision the use of renewables in ten years time? Mahesh has over 14 years experience in infrastructure and real estate funds management across Asia. Separately, development approval has recently been obtained from the Whitsunday Regional Council for a 100MWAC solar project in Collinsville North, Queensland, Australia (Collinsville North Solar Project), to be constructed on land close to the Collinsville North substation. Emma Alberici has landed a new gig, and, as promised, it's not on TV. MELPOMENE: You are headquartered in Singapore but your operations are in other parts of Asia? But to get to a certain point you have to think forward and consider all the paths and possibilities. CBD hears that her ABC redundancy payout was in the vicinity of $300,000. 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. Equis' team brings focus, experience, passion and conviction. 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. MELPOMENE: Hasnt that kind of short-term focus change with the increasing number of young people becoming entrepreneurs? Instabilities in the region may give others pause, but we seek opportunities amidst them to keep growing. Craig Marsh settled upon a black McLaren with carbon-fibre trims. David Russell Helping Scaling SaaS and Renewables companies find the best talent Ireland. 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. In 2010, David founded Equis Funds Group, Asia-Pacifics largest independent infrastructure private equity manager. Out of jail: Cardinal George Pell on April 7, when he was released from Barwon Prison. 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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. David Russell - Brighton Grammar: Leading Private School | Boys' School Additionally, he has held various senior roles with companies such as WePower, AbsoluteClimo, European Energy Exchange, ASX Energy and Deutsche Bank. At Equis, our team is driven by the opportunity to sustainably transform Australias energy landscape together and leave a positive legacy for future generations. 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. His thesis and work explore the . Building firm Davies Henderson, architect Christopher Doyle, gardening designer Paul Bangay and interior architect Thomas Hamel dont come cheap. David Russell owns over 45,212 units of Vizio stock worth over $35,578,497 and over the last 2 years David sold VZIO stock worth over $9,742,692. MELPOMENE: The project developers dont have the discretion to make decisions locally? 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. Brighton Grammar is a leading private boys school in Melbourne, understanding boys from ELC to VCE. 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. After building the Korean private equity business, I felt that it was time to do it myself rather than rely on an institutional brand. We were partly fortunate because the investor market had not focused on renewable energy the way it should have, and that gave us a 6-year head start. Its not all hindsight. 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. You can only aspire to be like them. MELPOMENE: Do you think that giving people ownership is the way to motivate them? 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. David Russell Archives - Saving with Solar Warnie, whose acumen in real estate is starting to rival his spin bowling prowess, had bought the 3000sq m property, which he once dubbed his favourite house, for $14.25m, 18 months before selling it to the Russells. Construction of the Collinsville North Solar Project is expected to commence in 2017. The Projects will involve a capital investment of approximately A$400 million. MELPOMENE: Steve Jobs said that you can only connect the dots looking backwardsis that true of your experiences? David Russell 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 He has delivered assets in Europe, Middle East and Australia. Find contact details for 700 million professionals. David is also . Once I became nobody, a lot of those people actually went silenta number of them obviously felt that while our relationship was important, it was based on our work together. That makes you focus harder, question harder and dig deeper until youre personally satisfied with solutions. Equis Wins Public Tender to Develop Taiwan's Largest Solar Project MELPOMENE: Was your background crucial to your success? In the battery sector, the prices are falling but their performance is improving. David is a Managing Director of Equis and has 28 years of infrastructure and private equity experience. David Russell - Chief Executive Officer & Pa.. - Equis | ZoomInfo Equis Funds Group CEO 2010 Equis Energy Director Equis Managing Director Education 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. He led Equis development of wind and hydro projects in India. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. After her August departure from the ABC, and fresh from recharging the batteries in Byron Bay, the former chief economics correspondent is joining online insurance comparison platform Compare the Market. In the Philippines, Equis commissioned a 30 MW solar project in Leyte and a 54 MW wind project in Rizal, as well as two solar projects in Japans Hiroshima and Hyogo prefectures with total generation capacity of 21.4 MW. 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 Eugene Russell Net Worth (2023) | wallmine 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. But what were we adding back to society? Once I became nobody, a lot of those people actually went silent. Privacy Policy. When Skadden partners walk into a room they command that room, and its not because they are aggressive but because they are just so knowledgeable. We are committed to using innovative, responsible and sustainable practices to help Australia reach a carbon free future. About Us - Equis Development Pte. Ltd. Its human to fear what you dont understand. All rights reserved. MELPOMENE: Given that R&D in this sector is changing so quickly, are you concerned that your solar and wind facilities might become obsolete? The memoir coming out later this year is expected to dish on a nasty stoush with ABC management after Alberici published an economics comment piece which incensed the Turnbull government so much so it sent several letters of complaint to the ABC. Save 397,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year or the equivalent of removing 83,860 passenger vehicles from Australian roads. Hartford, Connecticut, United States. I dont think solar and wind per se will be obsolete, theyll always be utilised because theyre efficient and environment friendly. But most importantly, if you want to be successful, youll have to work hard. 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. Equis Group appoints new partner and reveals management restructure This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. We acknowledge that our school is on the Country of the people of the Kulin Nations. As for the finance background, well, youve got to know the numbers when it comes to running a business. Bryce Paterson is a legal professional with over 10 years of experience both internationally and domestically in Australia. But he also told me theres no law stating that you cant act unreasonably [laughs]. He has also written two books. 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.