Abler Nordic, a prominent player in the global impact investing space, has officially announced the appointment of Marlene Hormes as its new Chief Executive Officer. Hormes succeeds Arthur Sletteberg, who is stepping down after a transformative decade-long tenure at the helm of the organization.
The leadership transition marks a strategic pivot for Abler Nordic as it seeks to scale its operations across emerging markets and further its mission of universal financial inclusion.
Hormes joins Abler Nordic with over 25 years of international experience in private equity and debt investments. Her career has been defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between high-level financial returns and measurable social impact.
Key Career Highlights:
- Global Footprint: She has led high-performing teams across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, giving her a nuanced understanding of the regulatory and economic landscapes in Abler Nordic’s core markets.
- Institutional Pedigree: Her resume includes senior leadership roles at world-class financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and DEG (the German development finance institution).
- Impact Specialist: Most recently, she served as the Chief Investment Officer at WaterEquity, where she focused on mobilizing capital for water and sanitation solutions.
Anders Misund, Chair of the Board at Abler Nordic, emphasized that Hormes’ appointment is designed to usher the firm into its “next phase of growth.”
Marlene is an accomplished leader with the strategic vision and execution capability to guide Abler Nordic… she is well positioned to build on our foundation, strengthen our global position, and advance our mission of expanding financial inclusion.
Hormes expressed her commitment to enhancing the firm’s reputation as a “trusted partner” for both the institutions they invest in and the global investors seeking sustainable, impact-driven returns.
Since its founding in 2008, Abler Nordic has established itself as a critical link between institutional capital and the underbanked.
- Capital Mobilization: The firm has raised and deployed $470 million into financial institutions across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
- Human Impact: These investments have empowered an estimated 14 million people, providing them with the financial tools necessary to improve their livelihoods.
- Diversified Portfolio: While the firm’s roots are in microfinance, it has evolved under its previous leadership to support affordable housing and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) finance, specifically targeting low-income households.
Under Hormes’ leadership, Abler Nordic is expected to pursue a more aggressive capital mobilization strategy to meet the rising demand for climate-resilient and inclusive financial services. Her experience at WaterEquity suggests a potential deepening of the firm’s “thematic” investing, possibly expanding beyond traditional micro-credit into more specialized sectors like green finance or essential infrastructure for low-income populations.
