Mikkel Højsleth joins Aalborg’s efforts to attract new businesses
In early September, Invest in Aalborg welcomed Mikkel Højsleth as its new Investment Manager - a seasoned professional who brings together extensive international business experience and a strong local commitment.
Mikkel has built an impressive international career with postings in Houston, Shanghai and Singapore, where he was responsible for business development, strategic partnerships and commercial leadership in the shipping industry. Since 2017, he has successfully spearheaded several major urban development projects in Aalborg - including the transformation of Budolfi Plads.
That combination of global insight and local anchoring makes him particularly well-suited for his new role at Invest in Aalborg. Here, he’ll work with investment cases within defense and satellite technology - two rapidly growing fields that represent strategic growth areas for Aalborg.
A role that connects global perspective and local impact
New Investment Manager, Mikkel Højsleth at Invest in Aalborg.
Invest in Aalborg is Aalborg Municipality’s investment promotion unit, working to attract both Danish and international companies to the city.
As Investment Manager, Mikkel will act as a single point of contact for businesses exploring Aalborg as a potential location. His job is to open doors to relevant networks, support business cases with facts and local contacts, and promote Aalborg’s strengths to the world.
The city has several strategic focus areas - including energy, satellite and health technology - and Invest in Aalborg doesn’t just respond to opportunities; it actively seeks out partnerships and ensures Aalborg is on the radar of the companies shaping the industries of tomorrow.
For Mikkel, this interplay between relationships, strategy and international outlook is one of the most exciting aspects of the role:
- "Aalborg has enormous potential, and I look forward to helping tell that story - both nationally and internationally. I get to use my international experience and network to open doors for companies and show why Aalborg is such an attractive place to establish a business.”
Mikkel Højsleth
But it’s also the human and meaningful dimension of the work that stands out for him.
- “Relationships are key. I believe that trust, openness and dialogue are what really move things forward - and I’m excited to build bridges between companies, investors and Aalborg’s strong business and knowledge communities.”
- “I’m passionate about creating growth and jobs - and contributing to attracting investments that are rooted in the city’s development and identity.”
“Mikkel has an energy and curiosity that I think companies and partners will notice from day one. He’s also a strong relationship-builder, used to navigating complex environments"
A strong profile with an eye for opportunity
At Invest in Aalborg, there’s genuine excitement about having Mikkel join the team.
- “We’re thrilled to welcome Mikkel on board. He brings a unique mix of international experience, strategic understanding and local insight that fits perfectly with our mission. And on top of that, he’s a fantastic person,”
says Catharina Vinther Engqvist, Head of Foreign Direct Investments.
She also highlights the team fit:
- “Mikkel has an energy and curiosity that I think companies and partners will notice from day one. He’s also a strong relationship-builder, used to navigating complex environments - exactly the kind of qualities we need in our work to attract businesses and jobs to Aalborg.”
From global metropolises to Northern Jutland’s growth hub
Even though Mikkel has spent many years in some of the world’s largest cities, it’s the local community in Northern Jutland that shapes his everyday life. He lives in Guldbæk with his family and has also been active in local politics.
Bridging the local and the global is nothing new to him — and it’s likely one of the reasons why he feels at home in this bridge-building role between Aalborg and the wider world.
- “I hope I can help make it even easier for companies to see Aalborg as a place where they can grow and thrive. I’m ready to get started — and I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues, businesses and partners.”
Head of Foreign Direct Investment, Catharina Vinther Engqvist & Investment Manager, Mikkel Højsleth - Invest in Aalborg
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Meet Catharina Vinter Engqvist
Head of Foreign Direct Investments, Invest in Aalborg
Catharina and the team at Invest in Aalborg are your one-point-of contact to the City of Aalborg. We can help you with information, facts and network that make all the difference when you consider Aalborg as your business destination.
Let's help you build your business case.