Svenska Spel appoints new CEO
Telecoms boss Patrik Hofbauer to take over ahead of re-regulation next year
Svenska Spel has announced the appointment of Patrik Hofbauer as the Swedish operator’s new CEO.
Hofbauer is currently CEO of Swedish communications company Telenor Sweden and will become CEO of Svenska Spel by mid-December.
Prior to his role with Telenor Sweden, Hofbauer was CEO of Telenor Broadcast, Canal Digital, NEC Scandinavia and Clear Channel. He has also been a professional ice hockey goalkeeper, playing in Örebro, Björklöven and Djurgården over a ten-year period.
Hofbauer replaces long-serving Svenska Spel CEO Lennart Käll, who announced his resignation from the role in January.
Käll, who has been in charge of Svenska Spel since 2011, said he had achieved his objective to position Svenska Spel as a responsible gaming company and “strengthen the position as an entertainment company with attractive gaming products and services”.
He also cited the introduction of the new Swedish regulatory regime as a factor behind his decision to resign.
Käll will officially leave the role on the 19th July, with current Svenska Spel CFO and vice president Marie Loob being appointed as temporary CEO until Hofbauer takes over in December.
In a statement announcing Hofbauer’s appointment, Erik Strand, chairman of Svenska Spel said: “I am convinced that Patrik Hofbauer is the right person to lead the company into the new gaming market.
“His experiences from both the business community and the sports world will be very valuable, especially given that Svenska Spel faces an exciting time with the new gaming legislation coming into effect at the turn of the year.”
Hofbauer added: “Svenska Spel has a strong position, a strong brand and faces exciting challenges through the new gaming legislation. The relationship between business and sport that is close to my heart and I look forward to leading the company into the next phase with the employees at Svenska Spel.”