ATG appoints Jörgen Forsberg as acting CEO amid leadership transition

AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) has appointed Jörgen Forsberg as acting chief executive officer with immediate effect as the organization continues its search for a permanent leader. The appointment follows a period of transition within the Swedish horse racing and betting operator after the departure of former CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth earlier this year.

Forsberg currently serves as CEO and president of Svensk Travsport and will assume the acting leadership role at ATG while maintaining his responsibilities within the Swedish trotting organization. The arrangement is intended as a temporary solution designed to ensure continuity in leadership while the recruitment process for a permanent CEO continues.

ATG chairman Peter Norman confirmed the appointment and expressed confidence that Forsberg will provide stability and direction during the transition period.

“I welcome Jörgen Forsberg to ATG. He will lead the work to implement the plans decided by the board and serve as acting CEO until a new CEO is recruited,” said Norman. “The recruitment process for a permanent solution is ongoing.”

Leadership transition at ATG

The appointment of an acting chief executive follows the departure of Hasse Lord Skarplöth, who stepped down from the role of CEO in February. According to ATG, the decision followed what the company described as “differences in opinion” with the board of directors regarding the future direction of the organization.

Skarplöth had served as CEO of ATG for several years and oversaw a period of transformation within the Swedish betting and horse racing ecosystem. His departure prompted the board to introduce an interim leadership structure to maintain operational continuity while the search for a long term successor proceeds.

During the interim period, ATG chairman Peter Norman assumed the role of acting CEO. With the appointment of Jörgen Forsberg, Norman will now return fully to his responsibilities as chairman of the board.

The leadership change is presented by the organization as part of a structured transition rather than a sudden disruption. By appointing a senior executive already familiar with Sweden’s horse racing sector, the company aims to maintain stability while continuing to execute its strategic plans.

Jörgen Forsberg’s experience in Swedish horse racing

Jörgen Forsberg is widely recognized within the Swedish horse racing industry due to his leadership role at Svensk Travsport. The organization represents Swedish trotting and plays an important role in the development, regulation and promotion of the sport in Sweden.

Under Forsberg’s leadership, Svensk Travsport has been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening the sport’s economic sustainability, improving industry collaboration and supporting racing operations across the country. His experience within the racing ecosystem provides him with familiarity with many of the stakeholders connected to ATG’s activities.

ATG itself plays a central role in financing Swedish horse racing through betting revenues. As a result, the relationship between ATG and organizations such as Svensk Travsport is considered an important part of the broader industry structure.

Forsberg’s appointment therefore reflects a pragmatic choice by the board. By selecting a leader with extensive sector experience, ATG can maintain continuity in decision making while the search for a permanent chief executive continues.

Balancing responsibilities between ATG and Svensk Travsport

During his time as acting CEO of ATG, Forsberg will continue to serve as CEO and group CEO of Svensk Travsport. This dual responsibility is expected to function as a temporary arrangement while the recruitment process progresses.

To ensure operational efficiency within Svensk Travsport during this period, deputy CEO Ulf Hörnberg will assume responsibility for certain operational matters typically handled by the chief executive. The redistribution of duties is intended to allow Forsberg to focus on strategic priorities at ATG without disrupting the ongoing work within Svensk Travsport.

The organizations involved have presented the arrangement as a collaborative effort designed to support stability within the Swedish horse racing sector. Both ATG and Svensk Travsport remain closely connected through their shared interest in maintaining a sustainable and competitive racing environment.

ATG’s role in the Swedish betting and racing ecosystem

ATG is one of Sweden’s most prominent betting operators with a strong historical connection to the country’s horse racing industry. The company was established to generate revenue that supports both harness racing and thoroughbred racing in Sweden.

Through its betting platforms, ATG distributes funds that contribute to race purses, industry development and the maintenance of racing infrastructure. As such, the organization holds a significant position within the national sports and betting landscape.

In recent years, the broader European gambling market has become increasingly competitive following regulatory changes and the expansion of digital betting services. Companies operating in this environment are often required to adapt their strategies to technological developments, regulatory expectations and evolving consumer behavior.

Leadership stability is therefore considered important for organizations such as ATG as they navigate these ongoing industry changes. The appointment of an acting CEO provides continuity while strategic discussions about the company’s future leadership continue.

Recruitment process for a permanent CEO

ATG has confirmed that the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is currently underway. The board of directors is expected to conduct a structured search aimed at identifying a candidate capable of leading the organization through its next phase of development.

Although details about potential candidates have not been publicly disclosed, the board has indicated that the process will focus on identifying a leader with experience in digital markets, business transformation and the regulated betting sector.

The appointment of an acting CEO allows the recruitment process to proceed without unnecessary pressure or disruption to the organization’s daily operations. It also provides time for the board to evaluate candidates carefully before making a long term decision.

In the meantime, Forsberg’s role will focus on implementing the strategic plans already approved by ATG’s board.

Continuity and strategic focus during the interim period

While leadership transitions can sometimes create uncertainty, ATG has emphasized that its overall strategic direction remains unchanged. The board continues to support previously approved initiatives and projects designed to strengthen the company’s market position and support the Swedish horse racing sector.

Forsberg’s immediate responsibilities will include overseeing the implementation of these initiatives and ensuring that operational performance remains consistent during the transition period.

Industry observers often note that interim leadership arrangements can be effective when the appointed executive already possesses deep knowledge of the sector. Forsberg’s long standing involvement in Swedish horse racing therefore places him in a position to manage the role while maintaining close communication with key stakeholders.

Conclusion

The appointment of Jörgen Forsberg as acting CEO marks an important step in ATG’s ongoing leadership transition. Following the departure of former CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth, the company has opted for a measured and structured approach that prioritizes stability and continuity.

Forsberg brings significant experience from his leadership role at Svensk Travsport, giving him a strong understanding of the Swedish horse racing ecosystem that ATG supports. His temporary leadership is intended to ensure that the company continues to implement its strategic plans while the board conducts a thorough search for a permanent chief executive.

At the same time, chairman Peter Norman’s return to his primary governance role reinforces the board’s oversight of the organization during this period. With operational responsibilities carefully distributed between ATG and Svensk Travsport leadership, both organizations aim to maintain stability across the wider racing sector.

As the recruitment process progresses, ATG’s focus remains on sustaining its position within the Swedish betting market and continuing its long standing contribution to the development of horse racing in Sweden. The coming months will likely determine who will ultimately take on the permanent leadership role and guide the organization into its next chapter.

FAQs

What position has Jörgen Forsberg taken at ATG?
Jörgen Forsberg has been appointed acting CEO of ATG and will serve in the role until the company appoints a permanent chief executive.

Why did ATG appoint an acting CEO?
ATG introduced an interim leadership arrangement after the departure of former CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth in February.

What role did Peter Norman hold before Forsberg’s appointment?
Peter Norman served as acting CEO following Skarplöth’s departure while continuing as chairman of the board.

Who is Jörgen Forsberg in the Swedish horse racing industry?
Jörgen Forsberg is the CEO and president of Svensk Travsport which represents Swedish trotting.

Will Forsberg keep his role at Svensk Travsport?
Yes, Forsberg will continue as CEO and group CEO of Svensk Travsport while serving as acting CEO of ATG.

Who will handle operational matters at Svensk Travsport during this period?
Deputy CEO Ulf Hörnberg will manage several operational CEO responsibilities during the interim arrangement.

Why did Hasse Lord Skarplöth leave ATG?
According to ATG, the departure followed “differences in opinion” with the board regarding the company’s future direction.

What is ATG’s role in Swedish horse racing?
ATG operates betting services that generate funding which supports horse racing activities and infrastructure in Sweden.

Is ATG currently searching for a permanent CEO?
Yes, the company confirmed that the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is ongoing.

What will Forsberg focus on during his time as acting CEO?
He will focus on implementing the strategic plans approved by ATG’s board and ensuring operational continuity.