On 29 May 2023, the Board of Directors of Samhällsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB ("SBB") decided to broaden its review of strategic options to maximize the value for SBB's shareholders. The Board of Directors and Ilija Batljan are in agreement that a new leadership is best for SBB. Ilija Batljan is stepping down from his role as CEO and remains a member of the Board of Directors of SBB. The Board of Directors has appointed Leiv Synnes as new CEO. The Board of Directors believes that Leiv Synnes has the right experience and is the best suited person to lead the company and support the Board of Directors with the implementation of the strategic review. Leiv Synnes will take over as CEO on 5 June 2023, replacing Ilija Batljan.

"The work on the strategic review is proceeding unchanged and according to plan. With Leiv Synnes as the new CEO, SBB gains a new, highly qualified force that can manage the company with full focus and support the Board of Directors in the strategic review. As Ilija Batljan hands over the CEO position, I would like to thank him for his fundamental contribution to developing SBB into the Nordic region's leading property company within social infrastructure, and the Board of Directors is looking forward to Ilija's continued contribution as a member of the Board of Directors," says Lennart Schuss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SBB.

"I am honoured, proud and humbled by the trust and look forward to continue developing SBB's important role in social infrastructure alongside the Board of Directors and SBB’s employees. My immediate focus will of course also be on supporting the strategic review led by the Board of Directors," says Leiv Synnes, incoming CEO of SBB.

"As the founder and a major shareholder in SBB, it is my role to take responsibility in a challenging time. The appointment of Leiv Synnes is an excellent choice of CEO that gives SBB the best possible conditions going forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fantastic employees at SBB who have worked tirelessly side by side with me over the years. My faith in SBB is intact and I remain a member of the Board of Directors," says Ilija Batljan, outgoing CEO of SBB.

 

Leiv Synnes, born 1970, has many years of experience from the property industry, most recently as CFO of Akelius Residential Property AB since 2014 and Vice President of Akelius Residential Property AB since 2020. Prior to this, Leiv Synnes has been operating since 2004 in several senior positions within Akelius Residential Property AB.