Svenska Spel, the largest gaming operator in Sweden, is reportedly in need of a new Chief Executive, after the recent resignation of Lennart Käll.

SBC News reports that Käll confirmed that his leadership tenure at Svenska Spel would be ending this summer. Käll served as Chief Executive Officer for the state-owned gambling company since 2011, having restructured the company and launched new gambling services and products. His departure comes at a time when Sweden is preparing to regulate its online gambling markets, a move which will open the door to international operators.

He reportedly said, “I am proud of what I together with my management at Svenska Spel have accomplished during my time as CEO. We have delivered on public assignments and showed that as a gaming company you can combine responsibility and growth. Svenska Spel is well equipped for Sweden’s new gaming market,” according to the news agency.

Coming into the New Year, the government has reportedly published initial draft laws that will allow offshore online casino, bingo and sportsbetting operators to legally enter the market for the first time, with January 1, 2019, targeted as the implementation date. Applications for licenses are reportedly being accepted after July 1 this year. Sweden’s new gambling framework will be replacing provisions set in place by the Lottery Act of 1994 and the 1999 Casino Act.

SBC News reports that Erik Strand, Chairman for Svenska Spel, thanked Käll for his seven years of leadership, meeting key objectives. “We thank Lennart for the good work he has done during his seven years as CEO. Svenska Spel – Swedish people’s gaming company – is well prepared for the restructuring of the market, that will hopefully come into force at the turn of the year. The recruitment of Lennart’s successor has started and will be completed in the spring.”