LeoVegas Group has appointed Mattias Wedar as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of co-founder and long-serving CEO Gustaf Hagman. The leadership change is effective immediately, with Wedar stepping up from his previous roles as Chief Product and Technology Officer and Deputy CEO.
Hagman, who co-founded LeoVegas Group in 2011 alongside Robin Ramm-Ericson, will step down on 16 June. During his tenure, the company evolved from a challenger brand into a major international operator within the igaming sector. Under Hagman’s leadership, LeoVegas built and scaled its proprietary platform, Rhino, and expanded its value chain participation through acquisitions, including game studio Push Gaming and the U.S. sportsbook technology from Tipico, following its 2022 acquisition by MGM Resorts International.
Wedar joined LeoVegas Group in 2019 and has since held several senior positions within the organisation. Prior to joining LeoVegas, he was a member of the executive team at Mr Green, now part of Evoke. He brings extensive experience from both the technology and igaming industries, which the company expects will support its continued global expansion and product-led strategy.
The transition marks a new phase for LeoVegas Group, with a renewed emphasis on leveraging its in-house technology capabilities and pursuing further growth in regulated igaming markets.
Gustaf Hagman, co-founder of LeoVegas Group and outgoing CEO, said “When Robin Ramm-Ericson and I were sitting at a barbecue, brainstorming about a spinning iPhone as a roulette wheel, I could never have imagined that it would lead us here. Founding and leading LeoVegas Group to become a market leader has been one of the greatest adventures of my life, and I am incredibly proud of everything we in ‘Team Leo’ have accomplished. When we launched in Sweden in 2012, the industry was in its infancy, and we were sailing in uncharted waters. With a strong team, great commitment, and a fantastic corporate culture, we navigated the course successfully and managed to become one of the leading international players – it is truly impressive. Now, as part of the MGM family, LeoVegas Group is now stronger than ever, and it is the right strategic moment to pass the baton to Mattias Wedar. Mattias has been an invaluable asset from day one, and I am confident that he is the right person to take the Group to new heights. After 14 years of traveling and being constantly connected, I am now looking forward to a period of rest and more free time – but I will always be a part of ‘Team Leo’ and will continue to follow its success closely.”
Mattias Wedar, incoming CEO of LeoVegas Group, said “During the six years I have been part of what we call Team Leo, I have been consistently impressed by our innovation, pioneering spirit, and strong corporate culture. The success story that Gustaf and Robin began 14 years ago is stronger than ever, and we see many exciting opportunities on the horizon. I am honored to have been entrusted with the challenge of taking on the role of CEO in LeoVegas Group’s new chapter, and I look forward to continuing to lead us towards new milestones.”
Gary Fritz, President at MGM Resorts International Interactive, said “Since MGM Resorts’ acquisition of LeoVegas Group three years ago, we have consistently delivered on our established growth strategy, with a strong focus on strategic investments and the establishment of BetMGM as a leading global igaming and sports betting brand. Gustaf Hagman’s leadership and LeoVegas Group’s expertise in product development and local market expansion have laid the foundation for positioning both BetMGM and LeoVegas as global leaders in the industry. I would like to thank Gustaf for his dedication and leadership, and I have full confidence that LeoVegas Group, under Mattias’ leadership, will continue to deliver on our strategic plan. We look forward to supporting him and LeoVegas Group in our shared growth journey.”
