Danske Spil recruits new CEO
Former Danish civil servant Nikolas Lhyne-Knudsen to lead Danish operator from October 2020
Danish operator Danske Spil has appointed Nikolas Lhyne-Knudsen as its new CEO to replace long-standing incumbent Susanne Mørch Koch.
Lhyne-Knudsen, who will formally take the reins on 1 October, currently serves as director of economics, technology and media production of Denmark Radio (DR).
A former civil servant, Lhyne-Knudsen has a background in finance, working for seven years within the Danish Ministry of Finance across several roles.
Current Danske Spil chief Mørch Koch spent three years at the helm of the operator. It is understood she will take up a role at Copenhagen-based amusement operator Tivoli A/S.
In May 2019, Danske Spil agreed a 10-year royalty-based deal to take over ownership of online casino TivoliCasino.dk from Tivoli A/S.
Lhyne-Knudsen is the second major appointment at Danske Spil in a fortnight, following the selection of Peter Christensen as chairman of the board last month.
Christensen also worked within the Danish government over a 14-year period, including a spell as Danish minister of defence between September 2015 and December 2016.
Christensen welcomed the hire of Lhyne-Knudsen, highlighting the importance of the firm’s contribution to both the Danish economy and Danish social causes.
“Nikolas Lyhne-Knudsen has the right skills and personal qualities to continue this important community mission and lay the foundation for the future of Danske Spil,” Christensen said.