Dag Detter

Former President, Swedish National Wealth Fund | Author & Advisor
Biography

From 1998 - 2001, Dag Detter led a restructuring of the $70 billion portfolio of companies owned by the Swedish government. The portfolio consisted of more than 60 companies and 200,000 employees. This was the first attempt by a European government to address systematically the ownership & management of government enterprises & real estate.

During the restructuring, Mr. Detter served as the President of Stattum, a holding company that managed part of the Swedish government's portfolio of businesses. He also served as a Director at the Swedish Ministry of Industry and as Head of the State Enterprise Division within the Ministry.

The companies overseen by Mr. Detter during this period included Vattenfall, the national electricity company; Posten, the national mail and logistics company; Telia, the telecom incumbent; AssiDomän, one of Europe's largest forestry, paper, and packaging groups; Celsius, one of Europe's largest defence groups; and the rail operator SJ.

From May 1999 - June 2001, as the restructuring was under way, the value of the Swedish government's portfolio of assets increased 12%, outperforming the local stock market index which appreciated only 6%. The portfolio also yielded approximately 18 billion USD from divestitures and approximately 7 billion USD from dividends.

Mr. Detter has since advised local and national governments in over 30 countries on how tap the value of their public commercial assets and real estate. The countries where his advisory services have been sought out include Abu Dhabi, Argentina, China, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, Jordan, Libya, Lituhania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

He has also advised international institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. He has consulted for the European Stability Mechanism and Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund.

He speaks English, Swedish, German, French, Mandarin, and Danish. He leads Detter & Co., a corporate finance advisory boutique specializing in restructuring and managing public commercial assets.

Positions Held
  • President, Swedish National Wealth Fund (Stattum) (1998 - 2001).
  • Director at the Swedish Ministry of Industry.
  • Head of the State Enterprise Division, Swedish Ministry of Industry.
  • Advisor to the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
  • Non-Executive Director: Celsius, Telia, Posten, Svenska Kraftnat, Jernhusen.
  • Author of the 'Public Wealth' blog.
Speaking Topics
Sovereign Wealth Funds
Public Wealth Funds
Modernizing Government Accounting
Unlocking The Hidden Value of Government Assets
Generating Non-Tax Revenue
Expertise Sought By

Investment Banks, National Wealth Funds, Private Sector Enterprises, Governments Seeking To Strengthen Public Finances, Think Tanks, Schools of Business, Private Equity Firms, Pension Funds, Asset Managers, Ratings Agencies.

Talks & Media
Speaking Engagements
Mr. Detter Delivering A Speech In Almedalen, Sweden (2023)
Mr. Detter Delivering A Speech In Almedalen, Sweden (2023)
Mr. Detter Speaks At A Eurogroup Meeting of European Finance Ministers (2019)
Mr. Detter Speaks At A Eurogroup Meeting of European Finance Ministers (2019)
Mr. Detter During A Panel Event In Toronto, Canada (2018)
Mr. Detter During A Panel Event In Toronto, Canada (2018)
Mr. Detter Delivering A Talk In South Korea (2023)
Mr. Detter Delivering A Talk In South Korea (2023)
Mr. Detter Speaking At The Royal Academy of Science in Stockholm (2023)
Mr. Detter Speaking At The Royal Academy of Science in Stockholm (2023)
Books
Public Net Worth
Public Net Worth
"This book is a compelling practitioners guide for current and aspiring policymakers who take seriously their responsibilities to promote economic and social welfare..."
Ruth Richardson, New Zealand Minister of Finance (1990-93)
The Public Wealth of Cities
The Public Wealth of Cities
"In this important and practical new book, Detter and Fölster teach us how to turn around distressed cities."
Peter Orszag, Vice Chairman, Lazard
The Public Wealth of Nations
The Public Wealth of Nations
"Dag Detter can speak with great authority and depth of practical experience. The Public Wealth of Nations is an important contribution to a debate of vital concern to governments across the world."
Lord Sassoon, Former Commercial Secretary, HM Treasury
Op-Eds & Interviews