Infrastructure’s Rising Stars: Meet the class of 2025 – Infrastructure Investor

Report on Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Infrastructure Investment 2025

This report identifies 20 emerging leaders under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to the infrastructure asset class. Selected for their leadership, innovation, and achievement, these individuals are pivotal in directing capital towards projects that address global societal challenges, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their work spans critical sectors such as energy transition, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future.

Rising Stars 2025

Daniel Anderson, 32
Director, Fiera Infrastructure

• Focuses on investments in digital, energy transition, and social infrastructure, directly contributing to key development goals.
• His work in digital infrastructure supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by building resilient and accessible networks.
• Investments in the energy transition advance SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Led the implementation of actionable ESG plans across multiple portfolio companies, resulting in a top management score in GRESB’s 2024 infrastructure funds assessment.

Joshua Bellet, 37
Managing director, Ares Infrastructure Opportunities

• Specializes in the renewables sector, having overseen investments totaling 5.6GW across 34 projects in the last year.
• Directly advances SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by significantly expanding renewable energy capacity.
• His financing structures for renewable projects contribute to global efforts under SDG 13 (Climate Action) to combat climate change.

Madelyn Brennan, 33
Vice-president, DigitalBridge

• Leads investments in AI infrastructure and data centers, which are fundamental to modern innovation and economic growth, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Manages the intersection of digital infrastructure and energy investments, addressing the critical need for sustainable power sources for technology, a key component of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Involved in transactions valued at approximately $8.5 billion over the past 12 months, shaping the development of sustainable digital ecosystems.

Roby Camagong, 33
Head of investments, Equis

• Leads a renewables platform in Australia and has overseen energy projects totaling over 5.3GW in generation capacity across the Asia-Pacific region.
• His work is central to achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through the development of large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Co-founded a BESS platform with a 4.5GW portfolio, crucial for grid stability and the integration of renewables, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Kirtika Challa, 34
Partner, CrossBoundary

• Drives the transition to clean power in underserved markets across Africa and Asia, directly targeting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Designs innovative financing for projects like the Mpatamanga hydropower facility in Malawi, which will enhance energy security and support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Leads initiatives to empower women in the energy transition, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and creating economic opportunities that support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Max Engardt, 35
Investment director, Infranode

• Builds and manages a significant fibre portfolio, expanding digital access and creating resilient infrastructure in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Spearheads firm-wide initiatives on AI and cybersecurity, ensuring the development of secure and future-proof digital networks.
• Combines commercial insight with a strong commitment to sustainability, shaping investments that are both high-performing and socially responsible.

Andrew Gilbert, 39
Partner, ECP

• Focuses on renewable power generation and environmental services, contributing to both clean energy and responsible resource management.
• His involvement in transactions totaling over 10GW of renewable and natural gas generation capacity supports the transition outlined in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Investments in environmental services align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by improving waste and resource management.

Daniel Han, 36
Head of Korea, Prostar Capital

• Co-founded a renewables investment business that has secured 3GW of projects, directly advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) in South Korea.
• Leads governance reform and strengthens internal controls at a major natural gas utility, promoting transparent and accountable institutions as per SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Recognized by Korea’s energy ministry for contributions to policy development, shaping a more sustainable energy future.

Agathe Huet, 36
Associate director, ICG

• Manages investments across renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and smart buildings, contributing to multiple sustainability goals.
• Her role in managing an investment in Akuo, a global renewable power producer, supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Played a key role in creating an Iberian data centre platform and managed an investment in a smart submetering company, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Kathleen Lawler, 39
Managing director, KKR

• Leads core infrastructure activities focused on strengthening grid resilience and expanding clean energy access, crucial for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Oversees strategic partnerships and investments designed to meet growing demand for clean energy and advance decarbonization, directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Manages investments in platforms that promote energy efficiency, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Genevieve Madden, 33
Associate director, John Laing

• Responsible for investments across digital, transport, social infrastructure, and energy sectors.
• Her focus on digital and transport infrastructure supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Work in social infrastructure and energy sectors contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) respectively.

Quinn Pasloske, 34
Managing director, GDEV Management

• Specializes in distributed energy, helping to grow a fund dedicated to decentralized power solutions from $7 million to over $300 million in AUM.
• His work on innovative financings for paired solar and storage projects is critical for advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by enhancing the reliability of renewable sources.

James Reid, 39
Investment director, Schroders Greencoat

• Leads investment evaluation for energy transition technologies beyond traditional solar and wind, such as biomass and district heating.
• His acquisitions of a biomass power plant, a major district heating operator, and a large-scale solar portfolio directly contribute to diversifying the clean energy mix, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Sabelo Siyakatshana, 37
Director, SMBC Group

• Structures and underwrites large-scale financing for digital infrastructure and e-mobility assets across EMEA.
• His work in financing data centres, towers, and e-mobility infrastructure is fundamental to building the resilient systems required for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Leads philanthropic fundraising for scholarships, promoting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Christoph Stagl, 39
Investment director and partner, Vauban Infrastructure Partners

• Leads strategic transactions in digital and transport infrastructure, including mobile towers and rail leasing.
• His development of a European rail leasing platform promotes sustainable transport, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Investment in mobile tower portfolios expands digital connectivity, a key enabler of economic development.

David Talbot, 39
Executive director, Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity

• Leads a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing capital and expertise to address economic challenges and fill the infrastructure gap in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Launched the Coalition for Emerging Market Infrastructure Investment, fostering public-private partnerships in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• His work aims to facilitate successful infrastructure projects at scale, directly supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) in developing economies.

Roxana Tataru, 36
Director, Allianz Global Investors

• Manages strategic investments in environmental utilities, digital, energy, and transportation sectors.
• Serves as a director on the boards of a major water-only company, a greenfield fibre network, and a rolling stock lessor.
• Her board-level influence directly impacts the delivery of essential services, contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Fiona Thomas Saura, 39
Director, Frontier Renewables

• Plays a key role in an investment manager focused on the energy transition, spearheading origination across Europe.
• Her work in developing and selling 400MW of utility-scale solar projects provides clean power, directly advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Believes in infrastructure’s role as a “force for good,” delivering assets that improve society and support SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Andreas Ulsamer, 39
Investment manager, MEAG

• Leads investment efforts for indirect infrastructure, including co-investments in clean energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
• His portfolio development across these sectors supports progress toward SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Focuses on building lasting partnerships to underwrite high-quality investments, embodying the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

David Vence, 38
Partner, Antin Infrastructure Partners

• Leads deal sourcing and execution across energy and environment, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure in North America.
• His acquisition of a major fibre platform enhances digital connectivity, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• His focus on social infrastructure and the environment sector contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights the work of emerging leaders in the infrastructure investment sector, whose projects and strategic focuses connect to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary SDGs addressed are:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality: The article mentions initiatives aimed at empowering women within the energy sector.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: This is a central theme, with numerous individuals leading investments in renewable energy, energy transition, and decarbonization projects.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The focus on large-scale infrastructure investment, innovation, and leadership development inherently contributes to economic growth and job creation.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The core subject of the article is the development and financing of modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including digital, energy, transport, and social infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Investments in urban infrastructure such as district heating, water utilities, and transport systems are discussed, which are crucial for creating sustainable cities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The emphasis on decarbonization, clean energy, and financing for climate-ready projects directly supports climate action.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article showcases several public-private and multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at mobilizing capital for sustainable infrastructure development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
     
     Explanation: Kirtika Challa’s work includes “designing and implementing a pilot gender results-based financing instrument for productive use appliances across sub-Saharan Africa,” which uses financial instruments and technology to empower women economically.

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
     
     Explanation: Kirtika Challa’s work focuses on “driving the transition to clean power in some of the world’s most complex and underserved markets, advising on transactions which expand access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy across Africa and Asia.”
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     
     Explanation: Numerous individuals are directly involved in increasing renewable energy capacity. For example, Joshua Bellet has overseen investments in renewables “totalling 5.6GW across 34 projects,” and Roby Camagong has worked on projects “totalling more than 5.3GW in generation capacity.” Fiona Thomas Saura’s work led to the development of “400MW of utility scale solar projects in California.”
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
     
     Explanation: The article profiles numerous leaders whose roles involve mobilizing international capital for clean energy infrastructure. David Talbot’s work with the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity (IP3) explicitly aims to “mobilise capital and expertise” for infrastructure, including energy, across the Indo-Pacific region.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
     
     Explanation: This target is central to the entire article. Leaders like Daniel Anderson focus on “digital, energy transition and social infrastructure.” David Vence led the acquisition of “FirstLight Fiber, a digital infrastructure platform which owns and operates 25,000 route miles of fibre.” Christoph Stagl’s work on a European rail leasing platform also contributes to this target.
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
     
     Explanation: The focus on “energy transition” and “decarbonisation” mentioned in relation to Daniel Anderson, Kathleen Lawler, and James Reid directly aligns with this target. Kathleen Lawler’s work on the Cordia platform, which advances “energy efficiency and decarbonisation,” is a prime example.
   • Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support.
     
     Explanation: Kirtika Challa’s advisory work on projects in Africa and Asia, such as the Mpatamanga hydropower project in Malawi, and David Talbot’s IP3 coalition, which aims to “fill the Indo-Pacific’s infrastructure investment gap,” directly address this target.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights large-scale capital mobilization for climate-related projects. Kirtika Challa’s engagement with the NDC Partnership to “identify and advance investment-ready climate projects” in countries like Morocco, Nigeria, and Uganda is a direct contribution to financing climate action in developing nations.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
     
     Explanation: David Talbot’s role in launching the “Coalition for Emerging Market Infrastructure Investment” with members like KKR, BlackRock, and The Rockefeller Foundation is a clear example of a multi-stakeholder partnership designed to “unlock capital” for infrastructure by working with “senior decision-makers across the public and private sectors.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains numerous quantitative and qualitative indicators that can measure progress:

• Financial Flows: The article is replete with figures representing capital mobilization for infrastructure, which serves as a key indicator. Examples include:
  • Daniel Anderson deploying over “$800 million in equity.”
  • Joshua Bellet managing deals “totalling nearly $10 billion of enterprise value.”
  • Kirtika Challa advising on the “$1 billion-plus Mpatamanga project.”
  • David Talbot’s coalition aiming to “unlock capital at the speed and scale required” for the Indo-Pacific region.
• Renewable Energy Capacity: The installed capacity of renewable energy projects is a direct indicator for Target 7.2.
  • Joshua Bellet: “5.6GW across 34 projects.”
  • Roby Camagong: “5.3GW in generation capacity” and a “4.5GW portfolio.”
  • Andrew Gilbert: “10GW of renewable and natural gas generation capacity.”
  • Daniel Han: “3GW of renewable energy projects.”
• Infrastructure Development Metrics: Specific metrics on the scale of infrastructure projects are mentioned.
  • David Vence (FirstLight Fiber): “25,000 route miles of fibre.”
  • Christoph Stagl (Mozart deal): “a 4,600-site tower portfolio.”
• Sustainability and ESG Performance: The article explicitly mentions a framework for measuring environmental, social, and governance performance.
  • Daniel Anderson led initiatives for “GRESB submissions, contributing to Fiera Infrastructure achieving the highest management score in GRESB’s infrastructure funds in 2024.”
• Socio-Economic Impact: There are indicators of direct social and economic benefits.
  • Kirtika Challa’s project for women has the potential to “generate nearly $10 million in income per year.”
  • Sabelo Siyakatshana’s philanthropic work raised “more than £500,000… to fund scholarships for underserved students.”

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: infrastructureinvestor.com