Early Life
Erik Selin was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 5, 1967. His father, Kjell Selin, was a physician, and his mother, Eva Selin Lindgren, was a professor. Selin developed an interest in finance early in life, reportedly reading annual reports at age 12 and trading securities at age 14. He attended upper secondary school with an economic focus.
Rise to Success
Selin began his career in real estate in the early 1990s. At the age of 24, he secured a loan to finance a residential development. In 1994, he founded Fastighets AB Balder, which has since become a major player in the Nordic real estate market. Selin's leadership has been instrumental in Balder's growth, expanding its portfolio to include residential, commercial, and hotel properties across several countries. In 2026, he is transitioning from CEO to working chairman of the board.
Key Business Strategies
Selin's business strategy is focused on long-term value creation through strategic property management and acquisitions. Balder's approach includes identifying undervalued properties and focusing on sustainable development practices. The company's expansion has been driven by a buy-and-hold model and a commitment to generating stable rental income. Balder has expanded across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Philanthropy
Erik Selin supports initiatives promoting education, healthcare, and cultural heritage preservation in Sweden and internationally. He is known to be a generous philanthropist, though his giving is kept private.