Kadans Science Partner appoints Steijn Ribbens as new CEO

These appointments reflect Kadans’ significant growth over the last five years since it was acquired in 2020 by AXA IM Alts, on behalf of clients, as well supporting the company’s continued plans for expansion. During that period and following AXA IM Alts raising €1.9 billion of equity from international institutions in 2021 to help fund the growth of the platform, Kadans’ portfolio has more than doubled in size from 160,000 sqm of operating space and 120,000 sqm under development, to over 370,000 sqm across 30+ world-class sciences facilities and 230,000 sqm under development across 18 projects, respectively.   

Kadans is now present in several key European countries including the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and the UK, where it is currently developing one of Europe’s largest purpose-built Life Sciences buildings, in London’s Canary Wharf. At the same time Kadans and AXA IM Alts have continued to evolve and refine the cutting-edge products on offer in both new and existing facilities, where investment has also been made to improve assets’ energy efficiency. 

The two leaders will work collaboratively with AXA IM Alts to maintain this momentum with Mr Ribbens taking on the management of all day-to-day operating matters, in addition to the responsibilities of his current role as Chief Investment Officer.  Steijn Ribbens has been with the business for ten years, having joined in 2015 following a career in investment banking, during which time he has led Kadans’ international expansion. 

Michel Leemhuis, who joined the firm in 2005, has been instrumental in firmly establishing Kadans as the European market leader. He will now focus primarily on continuing to drive growth and managing key ecosystem stakeholders including occupiers, partners, educational establishments such as universities, as well as government and trade bodies. 

John O’Driscoll, Global Co-Head Real Estate, AXA IM Alts and Chairman of Kadans’ Supervisory Committee, commented: “Over the past five years, we have worked closely with Kadans’ management team to grow the business and cement its position as the market leader. We are extremely proud of what has been achieved, not just in terms of growth but in the continual evolution and improvement of the product that we create. These management changes reflect the increased scale and sophistication of the business as well as our strong commitment for the continued expansion of Kadans’ portfolio and offering. We are very pleased to promote Steijn to CEO, who has been an integral part of that journey, freeing up Michel’s time to focus on growth and ensuring that we continue to contribute to build the ecosystems Kadans’ partners and clients value so highly.” 

Michel Leemhuis said: “I am excited to continue working with Steijn, with whom I have built a strong relationship over the past ten years. Together, we will continue to focus on the further international expansion of Kadans and optimisation of our portfolio. We are exceptionally well positioned to further strengthen and expand our leading presence in the European market. I would also like to sincerely thank AXA IM Alts for the continued trust and confidence they have placed in us.”   

Steijn Ribbens added “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at such an exciting moment in Kadans’ journey, having been at the forefront of setting up our international teams and making our first investments in new countries. Together with Michel, AXA IM Alts, and our dedicated team, we will continue to build on the strong foundations already in place, expanding our portfolio and delivering world-class environments where science and innovation can thrive. Our focus will remain on creating and supporting the ecosystems that enable our partners, clients, and communities to push the boundaries of innovation.”