Betsson CEO Silfverberg announces departure
Magnus Silfverberg to leave firm next month with chair Pontus Lindwall to take on role for interim period
Betsson AB chief executive and president Magnus Silfverberg will leave the firm next month in order to become CEO of business decision support organisation Bisnode, the firm announced this morning.
Silfverberg will remain in charge until the operator’s H1 result’s announcement on 17 July at which point chairman and former CEO Pontus Lindwall will take charge on an interim basis while Betsson conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Silfverberg has spent six years at Betsson, four as chief executive, since joining from Hewlett-Packard in 2009. The Swede has played an integral role the operator’s recent success, having overseen a number of strategic acquisitions and a period of sustained growth.
Speaking to eGaming Review this morning, Silfverberg described his experience at Betsson and time within the egaming industry as “amazing” and said he had no concerns regarding the future prospects of the firm.
“First of all Pontus, who was CEO prior to me for nine years, will take over for an interim period so that will bring very good continuity as they search for a new CEO,” Silfverberg said.
“At the same time Ulrik Bengtsson, who leads our operation in Malta, will play a key role at the company and he will continue to deliver the strategy we have set out so I’m not at all worried for Betsson and I believe it will continue to develop extremely well,” he added.
Silfverberg admitted he would miss working at Betsson but was equally excited about his new role.
“It’s been amazing during my time here,” Silfverberg said. “The company when I joined was 250 people and now we are more than 1,000 and we’ve quadrupled the market cap of the company.
“It’s been an incredible journey – both fun but also hard work with a lot of interesting moments. Of course I’m going to miss that but I also think I have an interesting challenge in my new position,” he added.
In a statement, Lindwall thanked Silfverberg for his service to Betsson and said the firm would continue to implement its current long-term strategy.
“Magnus has truly contributed to Betsson’s success and its strong current market position, and we would like to thank Magnus for his achievements, while we also wish him the best of luck in his future career,” Lindwall said.
“The Betsson Group has today a strong customer focus and a clear strategy which we intend to continue working after,” he added.
The firm also announced that Lindwall’s duties as chairman will be carried out by board member Lars Linder-Aronson until further notice.