Catena Media’s board of directors have named Göran Blomberg as interim CEO of the group, taking over the role from Per Hellberg who is to leave the company today (Thursday 7 January). A search process for a new permanent CEO will now be undertaken.

Blomberg boasts over 30 years of management experience during his career, having previously served as CFO and board member at ICA handlarnas Förbund.

Looking towards his role as interim CEO, Blomberg said that Catena Media will place a new focus upon organic growth and potential strategic acquisitions. In a statement, he praised the company’s successful entry into the US and Japanese markets, having also ‘developed the highly profitable AskGamblers product within the European market’.

“Subsequently to strengthening the company’s financial position through a successfully executed rights issue of a hybrid bond in June we now will refocus on organic growth and potential strategic acquisitions,” Blomberg explained.

“Additionally, we will improve operational efficiency through an enhanced focus on BI and AI to create an even more scalable business solution. McKinsey & Company has just been engaged to further accelerate this transformation process.”

Blomberg has served as a member of the Catena Media board since May 2019, having also held the position of chairman since May 2020. During his tenure as CEO, Öystein Engebretsen will serve as the interim chairman of the board.

Engebretsen has been a member of Catena’s board since October 2018, and is currently the Investment Manager at Investment AB Öresund and board member of INSR Insurance Group ASA and Scandi Standard AB. 

“We are pleased to appoint Göran Blomberg as the new interim CEO of Catena Media. Mr Blomberg has solid experience and brings more than 30 years of managerial experience to the role in a public listed environment,” noted Engebretsen. 

“This makes him a good fit with Catena Media for the transition period. The board also wants to take this opportunity to thank Mr Hellberg for his time with Catena Media.”

Adding: “To execute and lead Catena Media through this transformation process The board has commenced the search for a new CEO with relevant professional experiences and a track record of success to facilitate Catena Media’s shift into an even more profitable growth phase.”