GAMBLING INSIDER

The CEO of gaming company Svenska Spel, Lennart Käll has announced that he will leave the role after almost seven years in charge of the Scandinavian gaming goliath.

Käll, who has been in the role since 2011, cited the achievement of all his objectives and the impending introduction of a gaming licensing regime as factors which spurred his decision to resign.

The objectives given were to: “position Svenska Spel as a responsible gaming company and strengthen the position as an experience company with attractive gaming products and services.”

In addition the Swedish government has timetabled the introduction of a new licensed gaming market, with new legislation set to be adopted by the Riksdag in June before coming into force on January 1st 2019.

Addressing his departure, Lennart Käll, CEO of Svenska Spel said: “Svenska Spel is facing a reorganized gaming market and new conditions. Work on adapting the organization for the new gaming market is proceeding according to plan. We are well prepared and look forward to competing on equal terms. This is a good opportunity for a new CEO to handle and continue developing Svenska Spel."

Käll will remain as CEO before stepping down in the summer, with Svenska Spel chairman Erik Strand confirming that the company is already interviewing for a potential replacement.

Paying tribute to the outgoing Käll, Strand said: "We thank Lennart for the very good work he has done during his seven years as CEO. Svenska Spel - Swedish people's gaming company - is well prepared for the reorganization that will hopefully come into force at the turn of the year.”

Svenska Spel was founded in 1997 by the merger of the two state companies, Penninglotteriet and Tipstjänst. Headquartered is located in Visby, Sweden, it conducts sales through approximately 6,700 agents, 2,000 restaurants, pubs and bingo halls as well as via the Internet.

Lennart Käll added: "I am proud of what I together with my management and other employees at Svenska Spel accomplished during my time as CEO. We have delivered on the assignment of the owner and showed that as a gaming company we can combine responsibility and growth. Svenska Spel is well equipped for the new gaming market.”