Mackmyra appoints new CEO following Dandanell’s resignation

Swedish whisky distillery Mackmyra has appointed Johan Larsson as its new CEO following the departure of Magnus Dandanell after 21 years in the position.

Dandanell has served as CEO since the whisky company was founded in 1999.

Following his resignation, Dandanell will continue to work for Mackmyra as business developer, in which he will focus on establishing new export markets and developing digital distribution channels.

Dandanell will be succeeded by Larsson who has held several senior positions including COO and CEO of companies such as WeSC, Whyred and Mini Rodini.

Larsson has also acted as an advisor for investment firms through his own consultancy business and has been a member of the board of several companies such as the branding company Nilörngruppen, helmet company Hövding and outdoor company Houdini Sportswear.

Prior to this, he was CFO of the fashion company Peak Performance during which the company increased its revenues from SEK 300 million ($31.7 million) to SEK 1 billion ($100 million). 

“An important milestone was passed in 2019, when for the first time the sales of Mackmyra in Europe were larger than to Systembolaget in Sweden,” said Carl Klingberg, chairman of Mackmyra.

Klingberg added: “New leadership is now needed, as Mackmyra moves onto a new stage, with larger export sales. In Johan, the Mackmyra board has found a senior executive with documented skills and experience of leading entrepreneurial companies through international growth phases.

“Thanks to the combination of Johan’s managerial skills and the creativity of Magnus, we in the board are looking forward to a promising future.”

Magnus Dandanell, new business developer, said: “It is with pride and confidence that, after more than two decades, I hand over the helm to a strong leader like Johan. With his strengths and skills, Mackmyra will be able to develop further and reach its full potential.

“I am also pleased to now be able to focus on Mackmyra’s business development, especially in light of the major changes that the global alcohol industry is undergoing, both in terms of consumer behaviour and internet-based disruption.”