Svenska Spel, a Swedish state-owned gambling operator, has named Anna Johnson as the successor of its current chief executive officer, Patrik Hofbauer. The latter announced his exit earlier this year, opting to explore other opportunities instead.

Johnson will serve as Svenska Spel’s new president and CEO and is set to step into the office by June 2024, the former Swedish monopoly announced.

According to Svenska Spel, its new CEO boasts a master’s degree in economics from Mitthögskolan in Östersund. She is also an authorized accountant with an impressive track record behind her back.

Aged 50, Johnson currently serves as a partner and CEO of Grant Thornton, a global accounting and consulting firm. She boasts decades of experience in accounting and has held a number of leading corporate positions at Grant Thornton. She was appointed as the agency’s CEO seven years ago and has leveraged her experience to bolster the firm.

Hofbauer, meanwhile, is set to leave Svenska Spel very soon. Starting on February 1, 2024, the incumbent CEO will join the Swedish telecommunications juggernaut Telia Company. Following the departure of Hofbauer, Erik Strand, Svenska Spel’s board chair, will serve as interim CEO until Johnson takes office.

Johnson Is Honored to Have Svenska Spel’s Trust

Strand commented on the new appointment, praising Johnson’s track record of successful leadership positions. He lauded her ability to build strong teams, create more customer value and deliver profitable growth. According to the chairman, Johnson’s drive and curiosity made her a perfect fit for Svenska Spel.

The board and I are very much looking forward to working together with Anna and her management team.

Erik Strand, chairman, Svenska Spel

Strand added that Sweden’s former gambling monopoly has implemented many changes in recent years. He believes that the company is now poised to offer engaging and safe gaming experiences to its customers in the country.

Johnson also commented on his new position, saying that it represents a “fantastic opportunity.” The new CEO added that she is honored to have the trust of one of Sweden’s strongest gambling brands. She also praised the company’s commitment to sustainable entertainment, saying that this philosophy provides benefits both to 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.

Anna Johnson, CEO appointee, Svenska Spel

Speaking of Sweden, BOS’ general secretary, Gustaf Hoffstedt, just weighed on the country’s newly-proposed gambling tax, saying that it would be a “gift to the black market.”

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Swedish state-owned gambling company Svenska Spel announced that it will be parting ways with Patrik Hofbauer, who is set to explore new opportunities. Hofbauer, currently serving as the operator’s president and chief executive, believes that the gambling company is in a good position to continue without him.

The outgoing CEO joined Svenska Spel back in December 2018. He will officially depart from his position on January 31, 2024, to sit at the helm of Telia Company, a Swedish telecommunications juggernaut.

Svenska Spel noted that it’s already on the lookout for a suitable successor.

As CEO of Telia, Hofbauer will depart from the gambling sector he has served for five years. Prior to joining the state-owned operator, the outgoing CEO served as the CEO of the Norwegian majority state-owned multinational telecommunications company Telenor.

Before that, Hofbauer had stints as CEO of Telenor Broadcast and CEO of Clear Channel. An experienced individual, Hofbauer is also a member of several companies’ boards of directors. This lineup includes Clas Ohlson, NHST Media Group, Svenskt Näringsliv and Presto Holding.

The Decision to Leave Svenska Spel Was Difficult

Hofbauer commented on his new position, sharing that his time with Svenska Spel has been a “fantastic journey.” He said that the decision to depart did not come easily.

While melancholic about his departure, Hofbouer believes that Svenska Spel is in good hands and poised for further success. He praised the company’s robust corporate culture and values, saying that the operator will continue to deliver results.

Erik Strand, Svenska Spel’s chairman, also commented on the matter, praising Hofbouer for his hard work as CEO and the multiple changes he delivered. Thanks to the outgoing executive, the company now sports a modernized approach and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Strand also thanked Hofbouer for navigating the company through the reregulation of the Swedish gaming market in 2019 and setting a clear agenda for the company. The chair concluded that Hofbouer truly made a difference.

Svenska Spel is set to report its Q3 earnings later this month.

Hofbauer Is Excited about His New Position

Hofbauer also released a statement on his new position at Telia Company. He said that he is honored to have been appointed as the telecommunications giant’s next president and CEO and is looking forward to further developing the company.

While I have most recently been working outside telecoms, I have followed recent industry developments with great interest, and I am ready to continue executing on Telia’s strategy and move forward with its digital transformation program.

Patrik Hofbauer

Hofbauer will officially step into the office on February 1, 2024.

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