Gentoo Media Hires Former Raketech CFO Mans Svalborn to Lead Financial Strategy

Gentoo Media, the Malta-based iGaming affiliate group listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, appointed Mans Svalborn as its new Chief Financial Officer on July 13, 2026. Svalborn is expected to join in early October 2026, replacing Mads Haugegaard Albrechtsen, who resigned in May 2026 after 14 months in the role and 15 months after joining in March 2025. Svalborn brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience, including more than six years as Group CFO of Raketech Group Holding Plc, a Nasdaq First North-listed fellow iGaming affiliate company.

Svalborn's Background

At Raketech, Svalborn was responsible for finance, legal and compliance, investor relations and operations. His work encompassed financial strategy, financing, capital markets activities, corporate governance and cross-border acquisitions. The appointment was supported by search firm ESR Talent. Before entering the iGaming affiliate sector, Svalborn held senior finance roles at Nordea Bank and began his career in audit at Ernst and Young. Raketech named Victoria Darmanin as interim CFO following Svalborn's departure from the company.

"Mans is a highly experienced CFO with a strong track record in the affiliate industry. His combination of listed-company experience, deep financial expertise and proven leadership within listed iGaming affiliate businesses makes him an excellent addition to Gentoo Media." - Jonas Warrer, CEO, Gentoo Media

Why the Appointment Matters for Gentoo

Gentoo Media, formerly known as GiG Media after the Gaming Innovation Group spun off its media division, operates a portfolio of well-recognized gambling affiliate brands. The company's previous CFO supported the business through a significant restructuring in 2025 that included strengthening financial processes and a strategic realignment toward a leaner operational model. Svalborn arrives as Gentoo faces the same structural challenges confronting the broader affiliate sector in 2026: declining organic search traffic caused by the impact of AI on traditional search engines, and pressure on affiliate budgets as major European operators manage higher tax burdens across multiple markets.

Svalborn expressed enthusiasm about his new role: "Gentoo Media has built a portfolio of highly recognized brands and established a strong position in the global affiliate market. I look forward to working with the team to build on that success and create long-term value for our shareholders."

The iGaming Affiliate Sector in 2026

The affiliate sector is navigating a complex environment in 2026. Catena Media expanded its MRKTPLAYS subaffiliate platform through MRKTPLAYS+ in January 2026, reporting Q1 revenue growth of 26% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 191%. Better Collective has continued a cost discipline strategy while increasing paid acquisition spending. Raketech, Svalborn's former employer, is pursuing a platform-first strategy centered on subaffiliation and AffiliationCloud. AI-generated overviews in major search engines have materially affected organic traffic to affiliate comparison and review content across multiple markets, requiring affiliates to diversify their acquisition channels and invest more heavily in direct relationships with operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mans Svalborn?

Mans Svalborn is an experienced iGaming finance executive with more than 20 years of financial leadership experience. He served as Group CFO of Raketech Group Holding Plc for more than six years, overseeing finance, legal and compliance, investor relations and operations including cross-border acquisitions.

Why did Gentoo Media's previous CFO leave?

Mads Haugegaard Albrechtsen resigned from Gentoo Media in May 2026 after 14 months in the role. He had joined the company in March 2025 and supported it through a period of significant restructuring and strategic realignment.

What does Gentoo Media do?

Gentoo Media is an iGaming affiliate company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, formerly known as GiG Media after spinning off from Gaming Innovation Group. It operates a portfolio of gambling affiliate brands that direct players to licensed casino and sports betting operators in regulated markets.