Stockholm (NordSIP) – The rotation at the top of the Swedish National Pension Funds continues. Earlier this year, AP3’s board replaced long-time CEO Kerstin Hessius with Staffan Hansén. On 19 December, the board of AP7 announced that they have appointed Pål Bergström (pictured) as the fund’s new CEO. He should take up the position no later than 1 July 2023. Richard Gröttheim will continue to hold the reins of the pension fund in the meantime, just as he has done for the past twelve years.
The newly appointed CEO boasts an impressive CV, combining academic credentials as well as vast experience from leading roles at both private and public sector organisations in the Swedish financial markets. Bergström, who holds a PhD in Economics from Uppsala University, is currently Head of Large Corporates & Institutions at Swedbank. He has previously held various positions at Svenska Handelsbanken, been head of the financial markets department at the Ministry of Finance and deputy chief economist at the Swedish National Debt Office, among others.
“I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility for this central institution in the Swedish pension system,” comments Bergström (in Swedish). “For many years and in various roles, I have been able to follow the work of the organisation and I have a great respect for the results achieved in terms of both asset management and sustainability work. It will be a real pleasure to carry on this legacy,” he adds.
AP7’s Board of Directors seems equally delighted to have recruited Bergström. “He is a proven leader with analytical acumen and broad experience,” comments Per Frennberg, Chairman of the board (in Swedish). “Together with the rest of the AP7’s talented staff, he will be able to continue the development of the business for the benefit of the fund’s savers.”