LeoVegas brings in Carlander to lead sports strategy

Carlander will support the group’s network of sports betting operations, which includes the Expekt and BetUK brands.

He joins LeoVegas having most recently served as chief product officer and vice-president of sports and racing at Svenska Spel between August 2021 and October 2022, in what was his second spell with the Swedish operator.

From 2006 to 2018, Carlander held several roles with Svenska Spel, including sportsbook risk manager and sports trader, odds compiler and sports trader and head of live sports trading and sportsbook integrity.

Between his two spells with Svenska Spel, Carlander spent three years as country manager for Kindred’s Unibet brand in Sweden.

“I’m very impressed with what the teams have done so far,” Carlander said. “A multi-brand sportsbook including Expekt and BetUK to name a few, competing and taking market shares in some of the most competitive regulated markets in the world.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of a great team that enhances the thrill of sports with a true personalised betting experience. We are ready to take it to the next level together with MGM and I’m happy to be part of that journey.”

The appointment comes ahead of LeoVegas being acquired by MGM Resorts International, in a public tender offer worth $604m (£529m/€607m).

The proposal for MGM to pay SEK61.00 in cash per share was unanimously backed by the LeoVegas board, while MGM also secured all regulatory and governmental approvals. In September, it was revealed 65.56% of LeoVegas shareholders, representing 63,047,289 of the total shares in LeoVegas, had accepted the terms of the offer. 

Last week, it was also announced that LeoVegas has elected a new three-member board ahead of the pending acquisition. The board will include current LeoVegas chief executive Gustaf Hagman, MGM Resorts CEO William Hornbuckle and Gary Fritz, head of gaming at IAC, a major shareholder in LeoVegas.