Anders Ström declines non-executive chairman re-election at Kindred Group

Kindred

Kindred Group has confirmed that Anders Ström will not seek re-election as non-executive chairman of the board at the group’s Annual General Meeting 2021.

Lauded as an industry figurehead, in 1997 Ström founded Unibet, Kindred’s original business enterprise, as a telephone betting service to take wagers for Swedish customers.

Ström said of the decision not to pursue re-election: “Some years ago I made the promise to myself that before my 50th birthday, I would start to disengage from the forward positions in the companies that I am invested in, and spend more time managing the investments as such and with my family.”

In 1999, Ström restructured Unibet’s successful telebetting service by launching Unibet’s first English and Swedish language websites, whilst also expanding the business’ operations in Malta.

One year later, he took the position of company chairman, having established Unibet’s pan-European operations which laid the foundations for the company to list as the biggest online gambling firm on the Stockholm Nasdaq Exchange.

“Throughout the years, Anders Ström has been an important and inspiring asset to the board of Kindred, and he has provided it with in depth knowledge of the industry and contributed to a stable and competent board,” noted Evert Carlsson, chair of the Kindred nominations committee.

However, Ström did reaffirm his confidence in the firm’s long-term growth strategy and future prospects, confirming that he will remain involved in the company as an investor.

“Kindred has undertaken a fantastic journey during the 23 years that have passed since I founded its most well-known brand, Unibet, and has developed into a great company with almost 30 million customers, 1,600 employees, and with excellent further opportunities of growth with the right strategies and focus. Hence, I look forward to taking part in such a growth in value as an owner and investor,” Ström concluded.