Swedish betting and gaming operator AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) has named Mikael Bäcke as chief executive of Hippos ATG, its new joint venture in Finland.
Bäcke has been with ATG since 2014 and currently serves as CEO of 25syv Group, the company’s Danish-facing subsidiary operating the Bet25 brand.
He will take charge of the recently established Finnish joint venture between ATG and Finland’s Suomen Hippos, which will compete in the re-regulated Finnish gambling market and offer horse, sports and online casino betting at launch in January 2027.
“This is a very exciting assignment and an important and aggressive investment for ATG and the entire Nordic trotting sport,” said Bäcke (pictured). “Together with Suomen Hippos, we are now building a new, attractive gaming company that both customers and trotting sport win.”
Bäcke will be succeeded as CEO of 25syv Group by Henrik Friis Pedersen, who has been with the company since 2019.
“We are very pleased that Mikael Bäcke is taking on the role of CEO of the new company in Finland,” said ATG CEO Hans Lord Skarplöth, who also serves as chairman of Hippos ATG and 25syv Group. “Mikael has very good knowledge of the Nordic gaming market. The goal is to launch a new gaming company on January 1, 2027 in connection with the reregulation of the Finnish gaming market to a licensed market. At the same time, Henrik Friis Pedersen gives us a strong force to further develop our customer offering in Denmark.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pedersen said: “I am happy and proud to have the opportunity to take up the position of CEO of Bet25. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid and to continuing the positive development together with our skilled employees and partners.”
Headquartered in Helsinki, the rest of Hippos ATG’ Board consists of Markus Lahtinen, member (Suomen Hippos), Minna Mäenpää, member (Suomen Hippos), Juha-Matti Mäkilä, member (Suomen Hippos), Lotta Nilsson Viitala, member (ATG), Per Tellander, member (ATG), Daniel Santikos, member (ATG).