The CEO of Nordic gaming operator Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp’s (ATG) Danish subsidiary has been named the chief executive of ATG’s new jointly-owned Finnish gaming operator.
Mikael Bäcke, who currently heads up 25syv Group in Denmark, is becoming CEO of Hippos ATG, which is set to go live alongside the re-regulation of Finland’s gaming market.
“Mikael has excellent knowledge of the Nordic gaming market. The goal is to launch a new gaming company on January 1, 2027, in connection with the re-regulation of the Finnish gaming market into a licence-based system,” said Hans Lord Skarplöth, CEO of ATG and chairman of the board of the Finnish company.
Bäcke will be replaced at 25syv Group by Henrik Friis Pedersen, who will step up from his current chief operating officer post at the company.
ATG’s new Finnish company is jointly owned alongside Suomen Hippos, the Finnish trotting association, and will offer betting on harness racing as well as allowing customers to play online casino games and bet on other sports.
It will be headquartered in Finland’s capital Helsinki.
“This is a very exciting assignment and a significant and proactive initiative for ATG and the entire Nordic trotting industry,” said Bäcke.
“Together with Suomen Hippos, we are now building a new, attractive gaming company that will benefit both customers and the racing industry.”
