Jörgen Forsberg has been appointed acting CEO of AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), effective immediately, replacing chairman Peter Norman who had held the interim role since Hasse Lord Skarplöth’s departure in February.
Forsberg currently serves as CEO of Svensk Travsport, ATG’s majority owner, and will retain that position throughout his tenure at the operator. Peter Norman returns fully to his duties as chairman, while the board continues its search for a permanent CEO.
A Dual Role Reflecting Ownership Structure
The appointment underlines the close relationship between ATG and the racing organisations that own it. Svensk Travsport holds a 91% stake in the operator; Svensk Galopp holds the remaining 9%. All surplus generated by ATG’s commercial activities flows directly back into Swedish horse racing, funding prize money, breeder premiums, and sport development.
ATG was founded in 1974 to ensure long-term financial stability for trotting and thoroughbred racing in Sweden. Today it serves approximately 1.4 million customers through digital platforms and nearly 1,500 retail locations, offering betting on around 20,000 races annually. The operator distributes content internationally across Australia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Sports betting and casino products were added to its portfolio on 1 January 2019, when Sweden’s regulated market opened.
“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. The recruitment process for a permanent solution is ongoing.” — Peter Norman, chairman, ATG
During Forsberg’s time at ATG, Ulf Hörnberg, deputy CEO of Svensk Travsport, will cover major operational responsibilities within that organisation.
Forsberg’s Background
Forsberg brings experience from both the racing industry and the wider corporate sector. He served as CEO of Solvalla/Stockholms Travsällskap from 2017 to 2024, having previously held senior leadership roles in the automotive industry in Sweden and internationally. He also served on the board of Stockholm Trotting Society.
“In anticipation of a new CEO, I look forward to working together with all of ATG’s employees to continue developing ATG according to the board’s plans and safeguarding the company’s important role for the Swedish horse racing industry.” — Jörgen Forsberg, acting CEO, ATG
Anders Källström, chairman of Svensk Travsport, said the ownership group was “reassured and grateful” that Forsberg had accepted the role, citing his leadership experience and commitment to equestrian sport.
Pressure From Tax Headwinds and Market Competition
The leadership transition arrives against a difficult financial backdrop. ATG’s 2025 full-year results, released alongside Skarplöth’s exit in February, showed net gaming revenue declining 2% to SEK5.2bn ($490m). Total revenue fell 4% to SEK6.0bn. Horse race betting revenue dropped 1%, sports betting declined 2%, and casino revenue fell 7%. Operating profit tumbled 15% year on year to SEK1.5bn.
A key factor was Sweden’s gambling tax increase from 18% to 22%, which took effect on 1 July 2024 and reduced ATG’s profit by SEK216m ($24.2m). The operator faces around 70 licensed competitors in a market that opened fully in 2019. For more on the revenue environment affecting Swedish operators, see our coverage of Sweden’s Q3 2025 gambling revenue performance.
Skarplöth’s departure followed what ATG described as differing views between him and the board on the company’s future direction. During his tenure, he had publicly advocated for tax reform, suggesting Sweden exempt horse racing from increased levies in line with the UK model, a position that drew criticism from other operators and industry bodies. The full background to his exit is covered in our earlier report on ATG’s CEO departure and 2025 financials.
ATG has also navigated regulatory scrutiny in recent years. Swedish and Nordic regulators have remained active on enforcement, as detailed in our reporting on Nordic regulator fines including ATG’s reduced SEK3m penalty.
Forsberg’s appointment signals continuity in ATG’s relationship with the racing sector it financially supports. The board’s stated priority is implementing its existing strategic plans while the permanent CEO search runs its course.
Source: iGaming Republic
