Horse racing veteran named new interim CEO of Sweden’s ATG

Swedish horse racing betting operator, AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), has named Jörgen Forsberg as its new interim Chief Executive Officer.

The leadership shuffles at the top of ATG were caused by the resignation of former CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth, who held the role for 13 years. 

His notice was handed in at the same time as ATG revealed a stagnating FY25 financial profile, with lower YoY performance across the board. Both Skarplöth and ATG’s Board said at the time that they were parting ways due to conflicting views about the operator’s future.

Skarplöth’s place was immediately taken up by Peter Norman, ATG Chairman, who has been acting as the interim CEO until now, with Forsberg replacing him so that he can fully go back to his chairing duties.

Norman commented: “I welcome Jörgen Forsberg to ATG. He will lead the work of implementing the plans decided by the board and be acting CEO until a new CEO is recruited. The recruitment process for a permanent solution is ongoing.”

Forsberg is currently also the CEO of Svensk Travsport, the national governing body of trotting racing. He will perform both roles simultaneously and Ulf Hörnberg, Vice President of Svensk Travsport, will provide support for some of the operational tasks within the organisation, while the process of selecting a new permanent CEO of ATG takes place.

As for his background, Forsberg has previously been Chairman of the Board and CEO of Stockholms Travsällskap, the operator of the harness-racing track in Stockholm. He also boasts regional and international senior leadership experience in the automotive industry.

On his own appointment, Forsberg said: “While waiting for a new CEO, I look forward to continuing to develop ATG together with all of ATG’s employees according to the board’s plans and safeguarding the company’s important role for the Swedish horse industry.”

Time for change

Previously state-owned, the government loosened its control over ATG last year in a bid to make it more competitive in light of an increasing challenge from international operators ever since Sweden’s market was re-regulated in 2019.

Given that the operator reported notable YoY revenue declines in 2025, this year will certainly prove transformative for ATG, especially when a new CEO gets appointed.

The operator has also been expanding its presence outside of Sweden. Just recently, its joint venture with Hippos Oy applied for a sports betting licence in Finland. Expected to launch in 2027, Finland’s new regulated market could prove a core element to ATG’s return-to-growth ambitions.