Hacksaw announces leadership transition following CEO departure

Hacksaw, a Stockholm-listed B2B iGaming supplier, has confirmed a significant leadership transition following the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Christoffer Källberg. The company disclosed that Källberg has stepped down from his role, marking the end of a tenure that included overseeing key corporate milestones and financial development.

In response, the board of directors has appointed Ana Vrabic Verdir, a current board member, as interim Group CEO. Her appointment takes effect immediately as the company begins a formal and structured search for a permanent successor. The announcement reflects a controlled and planned transition process, with the company emphasizing continuity in operations and stability in its strategic direction.

The leadership change has been communicated in accordance with regulatory requirements, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency in corporate governance matters.

Board decision follows internal review

The decision to transition leadership follows what Hacksaw described as a comprehensive and careful internal review conducted by its board of directors. While the company did not elaborate on specific factors behind the change, it made clear that the decision was reached after a structured evaluation of the existing leadership framework.

Importantly, Hacksaw stated that there is no intended shift in its broader corporate strategy. The group confirmed that its long-term vision, operational focus and growth trajectory remain intact. This message appears designed to reassure stakeholders, investors and partners that the leadership change is not indicative of strategic disruption.

Chairman Patrick Svensk acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing CEO in a formal statement, saying:

“I would like to thank Christoffer for successfully having led the company´s IPO on the large cap list on Nasdaq Stockholm in June last year and for his valuable contributions thereafter with a solid financial performance. I wish him all the best for the future.”

This statement highlights Källberg’s role in guiding Hacksaw through its public listing and subsequent period of financial performance, both of which are notable milestones in the company’s development.

Interim leadership under Ana Vrabic Verdir

Ana Vrabic Verdir now assumes the role of interim Group CEO, bringing her experience from the company’s board into an executive leadership position. Her appointment is intended as a temporary measure while the company conducts a comprehensive recruitment process for a permanent CEO.

During her tenure as interim CEO, certain governance adjustments will take effect. Hacksaw confirmed that Vrabic Verdir will no longer be classified as independent in relation to the company and its executive management. Additionally, she will step down from her position on the remuneration committee to maintain appropriate governance standards.

These adjustments reflect standard corporate governance practices, ensuring that the separation between oversight and executive responsibilities is maintained even during transitional periods.

The board indicated that the ongoing CEO search will focus on identifying a candidate with the experience, leadership qualities and strategic insight necessary to advance Hacksaw’s long-term objectives.

Search for permanent CEO begins

Hacksaw has engaged an executive search firm to support the recruitment of a permanent Group CEO. The use of an external firm suggests a broad and methodical approach to identifying suitable candidates, potentially including both internal and external prospects.

The company has emphasized that the recruitment process will prioritize alignment with its established strategic direction. This includes maintaining its position as a technology-driven B2B provider within the iGaming sector and continuing to expand its market presence across regulated jurisdictions.

While no timeline has been publicly disclosed for the appointment of a permanent CEO, the structured nature of the search process indicates a focus on due diligence and careful selection rather than speed.

Business operations remain stable

Alongside the leadership announcement, Hacksaw sought to reassure stakeholders that its day-to-day operations will continue without disruption. The company stated that all business activities across its subsidiaries are proceeding as normal, supported by what it described as a strong and experienced core team based in Sweden.

This continuity is particularly relevant given the company’s role in the iGaming supply chain, where operational reliability and technological performance are critical. Hacksaw develops and distributes a range of digital gaming products, including slots, scratch cards and instant win games, which are delivered to both private and state-owned operators.

The company’s platform supports game creation and distribution, positioning it as an integrated provider within the sector. Maintaining uninterrupted operations during a leadership transition is therefore essential to sustaining client relationships and market confidence.

Market presence and regulatory footprint

Hacksaw operates across multiple regulated markets, holding licenses in jurisdictions such as Malta, the United Kingdom and Sweden. This regulatory footprint reflects its commitment to compliance and its strategy of focusing on established and regulated gambling markets.

The company’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HACK, providing it with access to public capital markets and placing it under ongoing disclosure obligations. The leadership announcement was issued in compliance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation, ensuring timely and transparent communication with investors.

The combination of regulatory oversight and public listing requirements reinforces the importance of structured governance practices during leadership transitions.

Strategic continuity remains central

Despite the change in executive leadership, Hacksaw has reiterated that its strategic priorities remain unchanged. The company continues to focus on innovation in game development, expansion into regulated markets and strengthening its position as a B2B technology provider.

The board’s statements suggest confidence in the company’s existing strategic framework, indicating that the leadership transition is not expected to alter its long-term direction. Instead, the emphasis is on continuity, stability and sustained growth.

This approach aligns with broader industry expectations, where consistency in strategy is often viewed as essential for maintaining investor confidence and operational effectiveness.

Governance considerations during transition

Leadership transitions in publicly listed companies often involve a range of governance considerations and Hacksaw’s approach reflects established best practices. By adjusting the independence status of the interim CEO and modifying committee roles, the company aims to preserve the integrity of its governance structure.

Such measures are designed to ensure that oversight functions remain effective and that potential conflicts of interest are appropriately managed. This is particularly important in regulated industries, where compliance and governance standards are subject to heightened scrutiny.

The involvement of the board in both the appointment of the interim CEO and the recruitment of a permanent successor underscores its central role in guiding the company through the transition.

Conclusion

Hacksaw’s announcement of a CEO transition marks a notable moment in the company’s corporate development, but the overall tone of the communication reflects stability rather than disruption. The departure of Christoffer Källberg brings an end to a period that included significant achievements, most notably the company’s listing on Nasdaq Stockholm and its reported financial performance.

The appointment of Ana Vrabic Verdir as interim CEO provides continuity in leadership, supported by governance adjustments that align with regulatory expectations. At the same time, the initiation of a structured search for a permanent CEO indicates a forward-looking approach focused on long-term leadership stability.

Crucially, the company has emphasized that its strategic direction remains unchanged and that its operations continue without interruption. This combination of continuity and careful planning is likely intended to reassure stakeholders during the transition period.

As Hacksaw moves forward, the outcome of its CEO search will be closely watched, particularly in terms of how the selected candidate builds on the company’s existing strategy and navigates the evolving landscape of the regulated iGaming industry. The company’s measured approach to this transition suggests a focus on maintaining confidence while positioning itself for continued growth.

FAQs

What prompted the leadership change at Hacksaw?
The company stated that the decision followed a careful and thorough review by the board, without indicating a shift in strategy.

Who is the interim CEO of Hacksaw?
Ana Vrabic Verdir has been appointed as interim Group CEO with immediate effect.

Will Hacksaw’s strategy change after the CEO transition?
The company has confirmed that its overall strategy and direction remain unchanged.

What role did Christoffer Källberg play at Hacksaw?
He led the company through its IPO and contributed to its financial performance.

Is Hacksaw searching for a permanent CEO?
Yes, the company has initiated a formal search supported by an executive search firm.

Will operations be affected by the leadership change?
Hacksaw has stated that all operations will continue as usual without disruption.

What governance changes were made during the transition?
The interim CEO will no longer be considered independent and has stepped down from the remuneration committee.

Where is Hacksaw listed?
The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HACK.

What products does Hacksaw offer?
It develops and distributes digital slots, scratch cards and instant win games.

In which markets does Hacksaw operate?
The company holds licenses in several jurisdictions including Malta the UK and Sweden.