Urban Partners appoints former Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Lars Weiss, as Urban Development Director

Urban Partners announced today that it will strengthen its urban development capabilities in Denmark and across the company’s core markets in Europe with the appointment of Lars Weiss, the former Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, as the company’s Urban Development Director, effective March 1, 2026.

This strategic hire builds on the strong foundation laid by Jens Kramer Mikkelsen, who took on the role in 2018. During his tenure, Kramer, also a former Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, significantly enhanced the company’s urban transformation expertise and capabilities. At the same time, Jens Kramer Mikkelsen will continue at Urban Partners, where he will remain involved in ongoing projects, including Tingbjerg, Mjølnerparken, and Jernbanebyen.

“Copenhagen faces exciting but complex challenges, including significant pressure on the housing market - challenges to which Lars brings a unique, solutions-focused perspective” said Thomas Riise-Jakobsen, Head of Denmark for Urban Partners.

“Lars and his work are closely aligned with our value-based approach to being a constructive, trusted, long-term partner to cities. With this latest addition to our team, and the continued and valued contribution of Jens Kramer Mikkelsen, we are strengthening our capabilities and diversifying our in-house expertise.”

Copenhagen’s transformation over the past three decades has become an international benchmark for livability and competitiveness. With this new hire, Urban Partners strengthens its ability to translate Copenhagen’s approach to urban development into actionable, city-led development strategies across Europe - bridging global institutional capital with local urban needs to improve long-term livability.

Drawing on his two terms as Lord Mayor and a track record of success over a decade of leadership roles in city government, Weiss brings firsthand insight into the challenges cities face and how to solve them. Beyond his long experience shaping Copenhagen’s development agenda, Weiss brings a strong track record from key political committees and major city institutions - including leadership roles within HOFOR, Amager Ressourcecenter and Metroselskabet - giving him deep insight into utilities, green transition infrastructure, and the practical realities of delivering complex, city‑scale projects. His background in business development, logistics, and city-wide transformation equips him to support Urban Partners’ hyperlocal approach and strengthen the bridge between political insight, public interest and long-term urban strategy.

“Urban Partners is known for its disciplined and innovative approach to city development and for championing a unique model of public-private collaboration. Copenhagen has gone through a massive transformation over the last three decades, and we have many learnings to share from that journey that will be relevant to cities across Europe. I am looking forward to building on my experience

in City government with a company that is dedicated to finding solutions to real life challenges for the benefit of all,” said Lars Weiss.

For further details, contact: Josefine Topsøe, Corporate Affairs, Urban Partners: +4521673965 jotop@urban.partners