SWEDEN (CelebrityAccess) – Pophouse Entertainment Group (Pophouse), the Swedish entertainment company renowned for its involvement in ABBA Voyage and the upcoming KISS avatar show, has recently expanded its team with the addition of six highly skilled professionals across various key roles. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s capabilities in acquiring and developing brands within the entertainment industry.
Linda Höljö, with extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and business development, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Höljö, previously the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Proact IT Group, started her career in the investment management industry with roles at prestigious entities such as The Wallenberg Foundations and Investor AB. Höljö said: “Pophouse’s position within the global entertainment industry makes this a superb time to join. In recent years, the company has announced a string of deals and plans which I’m looking forward to bringing to fruition, alongside developing Pophouse’s next set of exciting ambitions for the entertainment industry.”
Sophie Arendt is assuming the position of managing director for Mamma Mia! The Party brings a wealth of experience from various leading roles within the entertainment industry, including her stint as General Manager at Disney Theatrical Group. Arendt said: “I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director at Mamma Mia! The Party. The show concept has always been about creating unforgettable moments and bringing joy to people’s lives. I look forward to fully embracing the legacy of this incredible experience, pushing the boundaries of immersive entertainment, and ensuring that Mamma Mia! The Party continues touching the hearts of audiences around the world.”
Natalia Fontecha, the new Head of Capital Raising and Investor Relations (IR) joined Pophouse in 2023 and was most recently Managing Director, Client and Product Solutions at Onex. Fontecha’s extensive 20+ year career spans various sectors, including roles at StepStone Group, OMAM, BBVA Asset Management, Societe Generale, and BNP Paribas. Fontecha said, “For Pohouse to continue delivering at its current remarkable levels, we must have investors on-side to support us throughout our journey. We enjoy terrific levels of support among the global investor community, and I am delighted to spearhead this work going forward. Pophouse is a leader in its industry; the investment case is compelling and unique.”
Sophie McKibbin, taking on the role of Head of Business and Legal Affairs, comes from Warner Bros, where she worked for six and a half years, most recently as Director of Legal & Business Affairs for Theatrical Marketing. McKibbin’s legal background and her experience at Warner Bros position her well for her role at Pophouse. She said: “Pophouse has demonstrated a remarkable ability to cement and enhance artistic legacy. I look forward to immediately immersing myself in our work and dovetailing with our talent to further develop their artistic footprint.”
Jon Spalding, appointed as Commercial Director, brings a rich background from his time at Mattel, where he successfully oversaw programs for the Barbie Movie. Spalding’s experience includes roles at NBCUniversal, Disney, and Entertainment UK, where he contributed to franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, Star Wars, Frozen, and Marvel. Spalding said: “I’ve been a fan of Pophouse for some time, and it’s an absolute joy working with their talent and artists now. As Pophouse revolutionizes entertainment, we have a tremendous run of exciting news in the pipeline further to cement our position as a pioneer in our field.”
Ryan Amstad, assuming the role of Head of New Production Development, boasts an extensive background as a Creative Producer in the music, live entertainment, and location-based entertainment space. Amstad has worked on live shows with top international pop stars and for global brands such as Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Hasbro, and Universal Creative. “In my new role at Pophouse, I will bring our catalogs to life – on stage, as location-based entertainment, and in exhibitions. I look forward to working with colleagues, our talent, and partners to deliver inspiring and high-impact productions.”
PopHouse CEO Per Sundin said: “Our work fundamentally redefines entertainment and how artistic legacy is enshrined for future generations. “Therefore, it’s essential that Pophouse has the best people on our team. Each of our new colleagues brings the unique experience and mindset needed to achieve our mission statement – to unlock the power of entertainment.”
The latest hires reflect Pophouse’s commitment to assembling a team with diverse expertise to redefine entertainment and preserve artistic legacies for future generations. The company, founded in 2014 by EQT founder Conni Jonsson and founding ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus, continues to make significant strides in the industry. Led by former Universal Music Sweden Managing Director Per Sundin, Pophouse has investments in ABBA Voyage, the KISS avatar show, Snafu Records, and catalogs of Avicii and Swedish House Mafia. The addition of these accomplished professionals to key positions Pophouse for continued success in its mission to unlock the power of entertainment.
