Anna Johnson

Anna Johnson

CEO
Svenska Spel

Anna Johnson has a broad range of expertise in finance and accounting. Her stint with the accounting and advisory organisation Grant Thornton lasted over two decades and saw her successfully take on a number of leadership roles before becoming the company’s CEO in 2016. Johnson then incorporated these skills into the gaming industry in June 2024 as the new CEO of Svenska Spel.

Career

Svenska Spel
Chief Executive Officer
Svenska Spel
2024 - present
Grant Thornton Sweden
Chief Executive Officer
Grant Thornton Sweden
2016 - 2024
FAR
Board Member
FAR
2019 - 2024

Education

Harvard Business School Executive Education logo
Harvard Business School Executive Education
Senior Leadership Program
2003 - 2024
Mid Sweden University logo
Mid Sweden University
Master’s in Economics
1994 - 1998

Awards & Recognition

As befits one of Sweden’s highest-achieving women in gaming, Anna has received a fair amount of recognition. The most significant of which was Anna’s appearance on Dagens Industri’s list of the 125 Most Powerful Women in Business. This is an accolade she has now achieved twice, as recognized by the Swedish financial newspaper.

Career Highlights

Amy began her professional career in 1998, joining Grant Thornton as an Accountant’s Assistant, a role she held for 3 years in Stockholm, Sweden.

Next, Amy took on the position of Finance Manager at Contento AB, a company specializing in banking, finance, and insurance education. She undertook this role from 2001 to 2002.

Shortly after, Johnson returned to Grant Thornton, where she once again occupied the position of an Accountant’s assistant. She worked in this role for an additional three years, from 2002 to 2005. 

Later in 2005, Amy became a chartered accountant. In light of this, Amy once again began working for Grant Thornton as an Accountant and would continue to climb the ladder. In January 2014, Johnson advanced in rank again and was appointed Partner. She held this role for over 2.5 years, from 2014 to 2016.

Having worked her way up through the company, Johnson was eventually appointed as the new CEO of Grant Thornton in September 2016.

At the same time that she became CEO, Johnson also became a Board Member for Grant Thornton. She has held both positions for more than 7 years and continues to serve in these roles for the company today.

Additionally, Johnson became a Board Member for FAR, a trade association representing accountants, accounting consultants, tax advisers, salary consultants, and specialists. She assumed this position in addition to her duties at Grant Thornton in September 2019.

In Their Own Words

Fast forward to December 2023, and it was announced that Amy would become the new CEO of the gaming company Svenska Spel, a role she will undertake in the coming years.

Svenska Spel is one of Sweden’s strongest brands. 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.

Anna Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Anna Johnson, CEO of Svenska Spel? 

A: Amy was educated at Mid Sweden University (1994-1998) and Grant Thornton International (2013-2014). She has a strong background in finance and accounting and has successfully advanced her career, culminating in leadership roles, including serving as CEO of Grant Thornton in Sweden.

Q: When did Anna Johnson become CEO of Svenska Spel?

A: Anna Johnson became the new CEO of Svenska Spel in June 2024.

Q: What professional background and experience does Anna Johnson bring to Svenska Spel?

A: With a strong background in finance and accounting, Johnson has successfully advanced through the ranks throughout her career. This has culminated in her holding a variety of leadership roles, including serving as the CEO of Grant Thornton Sweden.

Q: How has Anna Johnson influenced Svenska Spel’s approach to responsible gambling and digital transformation?

A: Anna Johnson stepped into the CEO role at a moment when Svenska Spel was under intense scrutiny for duty‑of‑care failings, having been fined SEK 100 million shortly before her arrival. Since taking over, she has instilled a compliance-first mindset, advocated stronger protections for younger players, and has set about rebuilding trust in the company.

Q: What role does Svenska Spel play in Sweden’s gaming and lottery industry under Anna Johnson’s leadership?

A: Svenska Spel is Sweden’s state‑owned gaming and lottery operator. As such, it has a public-interest mandate. Svenska Spel continues to act as the anchor of Sweden’s regulated gambling market and is positioning itself as a model operator in responsible gambling.

References 

  1. Grant Thornton Sweden – Leading business advisers (Grant Thornton Sweden)
  2. USA har skjutit ned iransk drönare – oljepriset stiger (Dagens industri)