Kindred Group CEO Henrik Tjärnström resigns with immediate effect
Chief exec calls time on tenure with operator after 13 years in the top job as Nils Andén takes over in the interim
Kindred Group CEO Henrik Tjärnström has stepped down from his role at the Stockholm-listed firm with immediate effect.
Tjärnström originally joined the Unibet parent company in March 2008 as chief financial officer and deputy CEO, before being named CEO in July 2010.
The Swede played a key role in Kindred Group’s success and expansion, including M&A moves for 32Red, Stan James and Relax Gaming, expansion into the US and establishing and maintaining market-leading positions across core European markets.
However, the business has faced difficulties of late as 2022 revenue slumped 15% due to regulatory headwinds in key markets, including Unibet only re-launching in the Netherlands last July as the firm’s flagship brand fought to regain its crown in the market.
The 52-year-old’s departure comes as Kindred is in the midst of a strategic review, initiated by the board, which could lead to the partial, whole sale of the company, or a merger with another business.
Tjärnström and Kindred Group have not disclosed any specific reasons for his departure, or what impact it will have on the strategic review.
The group said it would maintain its financial outlook, however.
The Kindred Group board has appointed chief commercial officer Nils Andén as interim CEO with immediate effect.
Andén re-joined Kindred in 2020, having previously served as head of poker and chief marking officer between 2008 and 2016.
Speaking on his new appointment, Andén said: “I look very much forward to working closely with our board of directors, the executive management team and all employees to achieve the goals of Kindred.
“I have a strong belief in our organisation and the business models that have made this company so successful and am more confident than ever in Kindred’s potential,” he added.
Tjärnström only made a brief comment, adding: “I am very pleased with the board of directors’ choice of Nils Andén as the interim CEO, guaranteeing a smooth hand over.”
Elsewhere, Kindred chair Evert Carlsson praised Tjärnström for his efforts and work with the company during his tenure.
He said: “Henrik has been at the helm through many important milestones passed by Kindred and has undoubtedly put his mark in both the history of the company and the industry.
“Thus, on behalf of the board of directors and all shareholders I would like to thank Henrik for his valuable contributions to the success of Kindred throughout the years he has led the company and wish him well in his future endeavours,” he added.