Hippos ATG, the Finland-facing JV between Swedish operator ATG and Finland’s Trotting and Breeding Association, Suomen Hippos, has made two new hires to its C-suite.
Joonas Saha arrives as chief commercial officer (CCO), while Antti Koivula becomes the company’s first chief compliance officer.
Saha’s most recent permanent role came in the form of a decade-and-a-half long spell at Elisa.
During his time with the telecommunications company, Saha held several senior positions, rising up the ranks before departing in March 2024 as vice-president of marketing delivery.
Saha has founded multiple companies, including Optimaali Online, an IT services and consulting business, and CC Media, a digital marketing agency.
Meanwhile, Koivula brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role, with his most recent position coming at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law.
He leaves after a three-year spell as a full-time legal adviser, during which time he has established himself as one of industry’s most knowledgeable figures regarding the Finnish market.
Koivula also spent 12 years as a self-employed professional sports bettor, though has previous experience working with multiple sports betting syndicates, as well as running his own tipster service.
Mikael Bäcke, Hippos ATG CEO, said. “We are very pleased that Joonas Saha and Antti Koivula are joining our new company in Finland.
“They both bring valuable experience and knowledge that will strengthen our business. Their expertise and commitment are an important addition to our continued work.”
On LinkedIn, Bäcke added that the two new hires will help Hippos ATG prepare for the launch of Finland’s new commercial gambling market in January 2027.
Bäcke’s position as CEO of the new JV was confirmed in June, with the former Bet25 chief executive hailing his new task as “exciting” and “important”.
ATG’s former chief product officer explained: “This is a very exciting assignment and an important and aggressive investment for ATG and the entire Nordic trotting sport.
“Together with Suomen Hippos, we are now building a new, attractive betting company that benefits both customers and trotting sport.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
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Hippos ATG secures the services of a new CCO in Joonas Saha, while former professional sports bettor and Finnish legal expert Antti Koivula arrives as new compliance chief
The post ATG’s Finland-facing JV makes two new C-suite additions first appeared on EGR Intel.