Yggdrasil brings in veteran Krantz to lead new publishing arm

Yggdrasil, the online gaming solutions provider owned by Cherry, has appointed industry veteran Björn Krantz to head up its new publishing business.

Krantz will join Yggdrasil as head of publishing in January, having left his most recent role as chief operating officer in September after more than 10 years with the slots specialist.

The new publishing division has been launched as Yggdrasil seeks to become what it calls a “content enabler” for global partners including operators, suppliers and studios.

Through the unit, customers will be able to licence any or all elements of Yggdrasil content from its current and future portfolio, as well as its gamification and affiliation tools, platform technology and Game Development Kit (GDK).

“Ever since Björn and I discussed the initial plans for the new business model and our future growth expectations I knew he was the right person to lead the publishing division which will be central to our success,” Yggdrasil chief executive officer Fredrik Elmqvist said.

“We’ve spent months carefully planning this new strategy, basing it on the solid foundations we’ve built up over several years and crucially adding several highly innovative and never-before-seen layers that will see the business grow exponentially across the globe.”

Krantz added: “I have enjoyed many exciting years and moments within the iGaming industry, and since a few months back I have been able to reassess what could be the most thrilling and rewarding next step challenge. When Fred outlined his vision for the entire business, I felt straight away there was a perfect match.

“I am delighted to have been given the trust and confidence to lead the newly formed, and strategic publishing division, which is clear proof that Yggdrasil means business, and continues to invest in innovative and future proof value propositions globally.”