Catena Media appoints Ekdahl as acting chief executive

Catena Media has named Henrik Persson Ekdahl as acting chief executive with immediate effect, following the departure of Robert Andersson.

Ekdahl serves as a member of the board of directors at Catena and also a partner at Optimizer Invest, one of the main owners of the company.

Prior to his time with Catena, Ekdahl served as chief executive of various major gambling companies, including Betsafe and Betsson Group.

Although Catena did not disclose the reasons behind Robert Andersson’s exit, it did say in a statement that it has opted to initiate the change “in order to fulfil the company’s strategy, continued growth and to increase shareholder value”.

Andersson will be paid an amount equal to six months in accordance with his contract, as well as a severance payment that corresponds to an additional six months salary, with details of these payments to be declared in the firm’s next interim report.

It is not yet clear how long Ekdahl will serve in the interim role, with Catena confirming it will seek a permanent replacement for Andersson.

Kathryn Moore Baker, chairwoman of Catena Media, said: “Catena Media has been through several growth stages in a short period of time.

“Robert Andersson’s assignment was to take the company through an IPO and later to introduce it to Nasdaq Stockholm’s main market, which he did with great results.

“Now, a new phase starts, which marks a new era in Catena Media's success going forward.

“We are very pleased that Henrik Persson Ekdahl will take over as acting CEO; it sets the tone for what we want to achieve in the future.

“We will continue with our strong growth strategy and look for a permanent CEO in due time.”

Related article: Catena reveals key financial growth in second quarter