Nicolai Kjoelaas (MScFIN 2014): Driving financial excellence in Oslo’s real estate sector

Name	Nicolai Hagen Kjoelaas
Study Programme	MScFIN 2014
Current Location	Oslo, Norway
Current Job	Head of Finance, Opsahl Gruppen

 

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

I am the Head of Finance for a real estate company that owns and develops commercial and residential properties. My main responsibilities are to oversee the finance function, which includes liquidity forecasting, financing decisions, and M&A processes. I am also responsible for financial reporting and managing the budget process.

 

Q2. Please describe Oslo in three words.

Pivotal, thriving, and dynamic.

As the capital of Norway, Oslo is the country’s largest city in terms of population and economy. It is also one of Norway’s fastest-growing cities. It plays a pivotal role in driving national innovation and development with energy and agility.

 

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in Oslo and why?

I may be biased, working in real estate development, but I see substantial potential in residential real estate in Oslo. It is among Norway’s rapidly developing cities, facing a significant shortage of housing in both affordable and premium segments. New construction is at an all-time low, and demand will increase over the next three to 10 years, creating significant opportunities for growth and investment.

Additionally, in Norway, there is considerable potential for growth within the tech and innovation sectors. Norway has a highly skilled workforce and an abundance of cheap renewable energy. The country’s extensive experience in oil and gas production makes it particularly well-suited for capital-intensive, innovative industries.

 

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study in CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to making it happen again?

The fun we had between classes, and the endless discussions we engaged in when we were meant to be working on assignments!

 

Applying insights gained from the MSc in Finance programme, Nicolai (first from right) currently leads the finance division of a real estate company.

 

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