Svenska Spel Appoints Katarina Borstedt as Chief People & Culture Officer

Swedish state-owned gambling company Svenska Spel has announced a significant personnel appointment. Katarina Borstedt will take on the role of Chief People & Culture Officer starting in September 2026. This strategic decision underscores the company's commitment to sustainable growth and the continuous development of its corporate culture. Personally, I believe such positions are increasingly crucial for competing in the global market. Employees today expect more than just a good salary; they want a corporate culture that fits.

Borstedt brings extensive experience from senior HR roles at various companies, including Munters FoodTech, Proxify, and Northvolt. Her expertise is expected to help Svenska Spel align its human resources strategy with its long-term corporate goals. She also worked in consulting at PwC and Deloitte, providing her with a broad spectrum of insights into corporate management.

Numbers and facts

Katarina Borstedt will assume her new position in September 2026. She most recently served as VP People & Culture at Munters FoodTech. Prior to that, she held the position of Chief People & Culture Officer at Proxify and was Director of Growth at Northvolt. Her career also includes senior management roles within pulp and paper manufacturing groups Ahlstrom-Munksjö and Munksjö, as well as a stint as a corporate consultant at PwC and Deloitte. Borstedt will report directly to Svenska Spel's President and CEO, Anna Johnson, and will be a member of the Group Management. Joakim Karlsson, who managed the department on an interim basis, will return to his permanent position as Head of Talent Acquisition & Tech.

Anna Johnson, President and CEO of Svenska Spel, commented positively on the appointment: > "I am very pleased to welcome Katarina to Svenska Spel. She has broad experience in leading HR and organizational issues in companies undergoing change and building for growth. This expertise will be important for us as we continue to develop Svenska Spel with a focus on sustainable growth, customer satisfaction and corporate culture. As Chief People & Culture Officer, Katarina will have a central role in strengthening and developing our organization, our leadership and our working methods, as well as leading transformation."

Katarina Borstedt herself sees her role as crucial for connecting HR and business results: > "I am delighted to be appointed as Chief People & Culture Officer at Svenska Spel, a company with a strong brand, exciting games and a clear purpose to give back to society. I hope to contribute with my experience of developing organizations, leadership and working methods in growth and change journeys. For me, HR is about creating conditions for employees and leaders to develop, with the customer and the business as a clear starting point."

Background

Svenska Spel is a state-owned Swedish gambling company that plays a significant role in the Swedish market. The company is responsible for lotteries, sports betting, and casino games. The focus on "People & Culture" reflects a broader trend in the gambling industry. Many companies recognize that employee satisfaction and a strong corporate culture are crucial for business success and sustainable growth. Especially in regulated markets like Sweden, where player protection is a high priority, companies must also set high internal standards. The competition for talent is extremely high, making robust human resource development a must.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, this personnel appointment at Svenska Spel has no direct impact. Svenska Spel is a Swedish state-owned company that primarily serves the Swedish market. German players typically use gambling providers that hold a German license. Since the Gambling State Treaty 2021 (GlüStV 2021) came into effect, the German market has changed significantly. Online gambling is now legalized under strict conditions. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) licenses and supervises these providers.

Players in Germany experience the effects of the GlüStV 2021 through the 1 euro per spin betting limit on slot machines and the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros. Additionally, the central blocking system LUGAS ensures compliance with these limits and player protection. Providers holding a GGL license must adhere to these strict rules. Bonus systems are also heavily regulated. Therefore, it is important for German players to only play with providers on the GGL whitelist. Svenska Spel is not among them, as it focuses on the Swedish market. Indirectly, such personnel decisions show that even international top providers prioritize a strong corporate culture, a standard that also applies to GGL-licensed casinos.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Although Katarina Borstedt's specific appointment at Svenska Spel does not directly affect the business operations of GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, a general trend can be observed. The emphasis on "People & Culture" aspects in companies signals a growing awareness of the importance of a strong internal organization. This is crucial for any industry, including online gambling. In Germany, licensed casinos must not only meet strict legal and technical requirements, but also attract and retain qualified personnel. A positive corporate culture fosters employee loyalty and can ultimately affect the quality of customer service and compliance with regulations. This is particularly important in a sensitive area like gambling, where player protection comes first. A well-managed organization that values its employees is better equipped to optimally protect players and implement the complex regulations of GlüStV 2021. It is a sign that the industry is operating more professionally and responsibly worldwide. This is good for all stakeholders.