Sweden’s erstwhile gambling and betting monopoly Svenska Spel has a new CEO to lead the company into a new era of competition.

On Tuesday, Svenska Spel’s board of directors appointed Patrik Hofbauer as the company’s new chief executive. Hofbauer (pictured), is currently the CEO of the Swedish division of Norwegian telecom operator Telenor, and will officially assume his duties by “mid-December 2018.”

Hofbauer is replacing Lennart Käll, who in January announced his intention to step down as Svenska Spel’s CEO after seven years in the role. Käll’s last day on the job will be July 19, after which Svenska Spel CFO/VP Marie Loob will serve as acting CEO until Hofbauer’s arrival.

Svenska Spel chairman Erik Strand welcomed Hofbauer, saying his experience in both the business and sports sectors – Hofbauer was a professional hockey goaltender for 10 years – will be “very valuable” given the “exciting time” facing Svenska Spel as Sweden’s gambling market undergoes a seismic shift.