The Board of Catena Media Plc (CTM:Stockholm) on Tuesday, October 3 appointed Henrik Persson Ekdahl as acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect as Robert Andersson (pictured) departs as the CEO of the affiliate network operator. According to the press release, the CEO change was initiated by the board of directors so that the company’s strategy could be fulfilled and to increase shareholder value and continued growth.

Henrik Persson Ekdahl, who sits on the Catena Media Board of Directors, is also an Optimizer Invest Ltd partner. The latter being one of Catena Media’s main owners. He replaces former Chief Executive Officer Robert Andersson, who was appointed CEO of Catena Media in May 2015 and challenged with growing the company’s 40 employees at the time to one hundred and beyond. The five years prior to that, Andersson, who has extensive experience in building organizations and digital advertising, spent as CEO for River, a Stockholm-based digital agency, where he worked with clients such as British based betting and gambling company, Ladbrokes, and Nike and EA Games.

In the news release, the Board expressed its gratitude to Andersson for his outstanding accomplishments and efforts.

Andersson will reportedly be paid an amount equal to six months in keeping with his employment contract with the Malta-headquartered company and a severance payment that corresponds to six months additional salary. The total cost of which will reportedly be declared in the company’s next interim report.

Ekdahl reportedly has vast international experience as a CEO and leader of several companies including Swedish online casino and sportsbetting provider Betsson Group and Betsafe. According to the press release, he will continue to work to increase shareholder value and the continued growth of Catena Media.

Commenting on the CEO change, Chairwoman of Catena Media Kathryn Moore Baker, said: “Catena Media has been through several growth stages in a short period of time. Robert Andersson’s assignment was to take the company through an IPO and later to introduce it to Nasdaq Stockholm’s main market, which he did with great results.’

The Chairwoman went on to explain: “Now, a new phase starts, which marks a new era in Catena Media’s success going forward. We are very pleased that Henrik Persson Ekdahl will take over as acting CEO. It sets the tone for what we want to achieve in the future. We will continue with our strong growth strategy and look for a permanent CEO in due time.”