Svenska Spel appoints industry newcomer to replace outgoing CEO  

Svenska Spel has named industry newcomer Anna Johnson as the group’s new CEO ahead of the exit of current boss Patrik Hofbauer.

Jonhson will join the Swedish operator no later than June 2024, with Hofbauer stepping down on 31 January.

Hofbauer called time on his five-year stint with Svenska Spel earlier this year and will head to telecoms firm Telia in February.

In the interim, Svenska Spel chair Erik Strand will step in as interim CEO until Johnson officially joins the company.

Johnson is currently CEO of consultancy firm Grant Thornton’s Swedish operation, having worked her way up the business since joining in 1998. She also sits on the board for Sweden’s accountancy trade body, FAR.

Touching on her new role, Johnson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I am both grateful and humbled.

“Svenska Spel has one of Sweden’s strongest brands as the entire Swedish gaming company with many well-known gaming experiences.

“The group has a unique position and opportunity to run sustainable gaming that contributes both to joy and excitement to the benefit of the Swedish people and Swedish sports.

“I am really looking forward to leading Svenska Spel’s journey of change together with the employees and continuing to create results,” she added.

Strand commented: “Anna Johnson has a successful leadership based on inclusion and building strong teams that create customer value which has resulted in profitable growth over the years. Her drive and curiosity are excellent qualities for the task of leading Svenska Spel.”

Elsewhere, Svenska Spel is looking to save SEK180m (£13.6m), with the process to take several months, with the cost potential to be fully realised within three years.

Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.