Sveafastigheter CEO Erik Hävermark Departs; Sophia Mattsson-Linnala Named Acting CEO
Sveafastigheter AB announced on Oct. 14, 2026, that Erik Hävermark is leaving his position as chief executive, and that board member Sophia Mattsson-Linnala has been appointed acting CEO while the company recruits a permanent successor.
The company said Mattsson-Linnala assumes the acting role on Oct. 14 and will step down from the Sveafastigheter board for as long as she holds the position. Hävermark leaves the same day and will assist in an orderly transition, the company said. The announcement was issued at 11:00 as a regulatory disclosure.
Board Cites Next Phase After KlaraBo Merger
Sveafastigheter said the recently completed merger has created a larger company with opportunities for continued long-term value creation. The merger with KlaraBo was completed on Sept. 30, 2026, and was intended to create a larger residential real estate company with more cash-flow-generating assets, operational and financial synergies, and a stronger financial profile.
The board said it concluded that the time is right for new leadership to guide the company into its next phase and has started recruiting a new CEO.
"To ensure that we deliver on the ambitious targets of the merger and that the company reaches its next phase of development, we see a need for a new CEO, and Sophia Mattsson-Linnala's broad experience and solid knowledge of residential real estate companies will provide continuity and decisiveness during the recruitment process," said Lennart Sten, chairman of the board of Sveafastigheter AB.
Sten said the company has a strong platform to continue working toward its vision of becoming Sweden's best residential real estate company, with the tenant at the center and more efficient property management.
Hävermark's Tenure
The board thanked Hävermark for his work as CEO and said his leadership was central to building Sveafastigheter and to the company's listing, change of listing venue and merger with KlaraBo.
"It has been a very rewarding journey to lead Sveafastigheter through a period of significant development," Hävermark said. "I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to supporting an orderly transition."
Acting CEO Background
Mattsson-Linnala, born in 1966, has been a member of the Sveafastigheter board since 2026. The company said she has an extensive background in the real estate sector, primarily in residential property management. She has served as CEO of Rikshem, Huge Fastigheter, Sollentunahem and Botkyrkabyggen, and has held several board assignments in real estate and construction companies.
"I look forward to taking on this assignment and, together with the Board of Directors, management and employees, continuing to develop Sveafastigheter," Mattsson-Linnala said. "The company has a stable foundation and clear ambition. My focus will be on ensuring continued momentum in the business and creating good conditions for the next phase."
Operating Position Entering the Transition
Sveafastigheter reported improving results in the first half of 2026. Rental income rose 6.2% to SEK 806 million, and net operating income increased 6.3% to SEK 466 million. Rental income in the comparable portfolio rose 4.7%, and comparable net operating income increased 3.5%.
Profit from property management rose to SEK 172 million from SEK 157 million. Profit for the period was SEK 251 million, compared with a loss of SEK 117 million in the year-earlier period.
At year-end 2025, the portfolio comprised about 1.011 million square meters of lettable area, with a rental value of SEK 1.672 billion and contracted annual rents of SEK 1.594 billion. Occupancy was 95.3%, up from 94.6% a year earlier. Adjusted for vacancies associated with the company's Hemlyft initiative, occupancy was 95.8% in the year-end report. Sveafastigheter achieved average rent increases of 4.9% in its portfolio in 2025.
Market Context and What Comes Next
The leadership change marks a shift from completing the merger to integrating the combined company. Swedish property companies have operated in a more demanding financing environment than before 2022, with higher borrowing costs affecting interest coverage and refinancing, and property valuations sensitive to interest rates and required yields. Residential landlords also balance rent increases against tenant affordability.
The merger was announced as a way to increase recurring property-management earnings, improve dividend capacity and strengthen long-term shareholder value. Mattsson-Linnala will lead the business in the interim, with the board saying her focus will be on maintaining momentum during the recruitment period.
For further information, Sveafastigheter listed Sten as board chairman and Joel Gedin as head of communication and investor relations.
Sources
- Sveafastigheter, "Sophia Mattsson-Linnala appointed Acting CEO": https://corporate.sveafastigheter.se/en/sophia-mattsson-linnala-appointed-acting-ceo/
- Sveafastigheter, "Sophia Mattsson-Linnala tillträder som tillförordnad VD": https://corporate.sveafastigheter.se/sv/sophia-mattsson-linnala-tilltrader-som-tillforordnad-vd/