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Hacksaw Gaming Names Ana Vrabic Verdir Permanent CEO After Interim Tenure

Following a formal recruitment process, Ana Vrabic Verdir transitions from interim CEO to permanent CEO at Hacksaw Gaming, succeeding Christoffer Källberg.

By Marcus WebbPublished Aug 20, 20264 min read
Hacksaw Gaming headquarters and leadership team in a business meeting, with Ana Vrabic Verdir at centre

Key Takeaways

  • Hacksaw Gaming confirmed Ana Vrabic Verdir as its permanent CEO after serving on an interim basis since April 2026.
  • A formal executive search reviewed internal and external applicants before selecting Vrabic Verdir.
  • The company reported Q2 revenue of €59.3m and 31% adjusted EBITDA growth year-on-year.
  • Recent deals include agreements with Hollywoodbets, Betano, and Pasino, and a minority stake by Kenneth Dart.

Hacksaw Gaming has appointed Ana Vrabic Verdir as its permanent CEO, confirming her in the role after several months as interim chief. The decision follows a comprehensive recruitment process launched in April 2026, soon after the Stockholm-listed board relieved Christoffer Källberg of his duties.

Process Behind the CEO Appointment at Hacksaw Gaming

The selection of Ana Vrabic Verdir as permanent CEO comes after an external search firm reviewed both internal and external candidates. Led by company chair Patrick Svensk, the process began in April 2026, when Christoffer Källberg was removed by the board. Källberg had joined Hacksaw Gaming in January 2025 from Carnegie Investment Bank and oversaw the firm's public listing in summer 2025.

The search concluded with the appointment of Vrabic Verdir, who had been acting as interim CEO since April and has served on the board since 2024. She is set to remain a board member until the next annual general meeting. The structured handover involved a detailed evaluation of potential leadership for the supplier, reflecting scrutiny from shareholders and B2B sector observers.

Leadership Structure and Key Executives

Ana Vrabic Verdir, a qualified lawyer, previously held a specialist partner role at Advokatfirman Carthiel AB after the firm absorbed her former employer, Grey Advokatbyrå AB. She stated her appreciation for the ongoing trust shown by the board and highlighted the growth potential for Hacksaw Gaming’s platform.

Supporting Vrabic Verdir, group CFO Mikael Rahm—who has led the finance function since January—and operational CEO Marcus Cordes will both continue in their roles. Cordes, with the company since 2018 and initially its COO, brings continuity to day-to-day operations. This leadership trio is expected to maintain momentum in execution of the group's business strategy.

“Hacksaw operates in a large and growing global market, and after these past months, my view is that we have only begun to see what the platform can carry. I have seen at close range the drive and entrepreneurial spirit within this organisation, and that is where our strength lies. I look forward to continuing to deliver on our business strategy together with the team, and I thank the board for its continued confidence.” — Ana Vrabic Verdir, CEO, Hacksaw Gaming

Company Performance and Recent Deals

Hacksaw Gaming reported strong financials for the second quarter of 2026. Revenue reached €59.3m, marking a 33% increase on a constant currency basis compared to Q2 2025. Adjusted EBITDA rose 31% year-on-year to €48.4m. The group’s share price has appreciated by 34% since the start of 2026.

Recent commercial agreements include supply deals with brands Hollywoodbets, Betano, and Swiss operator Pasino. Billionaire Kenneth Dart has also acquired a 0.6% stake, signaling external investor confidence in the supplier.

Board and Stakeholder View on the CEO Transition

Chair Patrick Svensk endorsed the board’s unanimous decision to make Vrabic Verdir’s position permanent, underlining her knowledge of the business and effective leadership since stepping in as interim CEO in April.

“Ana has been close to Hacksaw for several years and, as a board member and interim group CEO, she has a strong understanding of both the business and the company's development. Since April she has led the group with clear direction, and the board is unanimous that she is the right person to build on that work.” — Patrick Svensk, Chair, Hacksaw Gaming

Outlook for Hacksaw Gaming Under New CEO Leadership

The appointment of Ana Vrabic Verdir provides strategic consistency following a period of leadership transition. Backed by existing executives, the company plans to build on its recent growth in regulated markets. New commercial partnerships and a robust financial position set the stage for ongoing expansion.

Industry analysts will watch closely to see how Vrabic Verdir leverages the firm's Q2 momentum and investor interest, particularly following the recent supply agreements and the company's ongoing global market activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new permanent CEO of Hacksaw Gaming?

Ana Vrabic Verdir has been named the permanent CEO of Hacksaw Gaming after serving as interim CEO since April 2026, following a recruitment process led by the board.

What process led to Ana Vrabic Verdir’s appointment?

The board engaged an external search firm to evaluate both internal and external candidates, concluding with Vrabic Verdir’s formal selection as permanent CEO.

What was Hacksaw Gaming’s Q2 2026 financial performance?

The company reported Q2 2026 revenue of €59.3 million, representing a 33% increase over Q2 2025, and adjusted EBITDA up 31% to €48.4 million.

Which major partnerships has Hacksaw Gaming signed recently?

Hacksaw Gaming recently secured supply agreements with major brands including Hollywoodbets, Betano, and Switzerland-based Pasino.

Who are the key executives supporting the new CEO?

Ana Vrabic Verdir is supported by group CFO Mikael Rahm, in post since January, and operational CEO Marcus Cordes, who joined the company in 2018.

Source: EGR Awards

Tags

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About the author

Marcus Webb

Marcus Webb

Industry Deals Correspondent

Marcus Webb covers the deal flow of the gambling industry — operator strategy, M&A, market entries, and product launches from sportsbook rebrands to full platform migrations. The reports name the companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as disclosed and separate the announcement from its market impact. When a group consolidates a brand or a challenger launches into a new state, Marcus Webb explains who gains, who pays, and what closes next quarter.

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