The double appointment supports a wider reorganisation of operations at Svenska Spel. The group has been carrying out work to future-proof the business since autumn last year.
Effective from 1 April, the reorganisation includes a new group function and two changes in group management. Both Ekman and Franzén will also assume their roles from the start of next month.
Ekman takes on her new position after almost three years as head of corporate IT at Svenska Spel. She also spent time in other leadership positions within the group, having joined in September 2018.
Ekman replaces Franzén, who is stepping aside as IT director to become head of gaming responsibility and data-driven transformation. He had been working in his previous role since mid-2019.
“I am very happy to welcome Mikael and Lovisa in their new roles,” Svenska Spel CEO and president Erik Strand, said. “They are responsible for important areas in our work to ensure that Svenska Spel enters the future as a continued strong and competitive group.
“Mikael and Lovisa are also experienced leaders who are appreciated by both employees and group management.”
Marginal declines for Svenska Spel in 2023
The double appointment comes on the back of Svenska Spel publishing its 2023 results last month.
For the 12 months to 31 December 2023, revenue at Svenska Spel amounted to SEK8.03bn (£605.0m/€707.9m/$766.4m). This was only marginally lower than the previous year.
Revenue across the Tur lottery and Sport & Casino divisions was up year-on-year. However, Svenska Spel reported declines within the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas segment, pushing total revenue down year-on-year.
Costs were relatively level in 2023 but the revenue decline meant net profit fell 2.7% to SEK1.94bn.