Pophouse Entertainment Group, the Swedish entertainment company behind ABBA Voyage and the forthcoming KISS avatar show, has made six new senior hires.
Linda Höljö has been named COO, while SophieArendt has been appointed Mamma Mia! The Party Managing Director.
Additionally, NataliaFontecha has been named Head of Capital Raising and IR, and SophieMcKibbin has been appointed Head of Business and Legal Affairs.
JonSpalding has been appointed Commercial Director and RyanAmstad Head of New Production Development.
Stockholm-headquartered Pophouse acquires and develops brands within entertainment.
The company was founded in 2014 by EQT founder Conni Jonsson and founding ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus. The company is led by former Universal Music Sweden Managing Director Per Sundin.
Aside from its investment in the ABBA Voyage concert experience, and the upcoming KISS Avatar show, Pophouse also has investments in the likes of Snafu Records, and the catalogs of Avicii, and Swedish House Mafia.
Linda Höljö has extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and business development. Before joining Pophouse Entertainment, Höljö served as CFO of Proact IT Group.
She has also held the role of CFO at Quant Service, as well as different leadership positions at Ericsson. Höljö started her career in the investment management industry with investment roles at companies such as The Wallenberg Foundations and Investor AB.
Sophie Arendt brings a wealth of experience from various leading roles within the entertainment industry such as General Manager at Disney Theatrical Group.
Ex-banker Natalia Fontecha joined Pophouse in 2023 and was most recently Managing Director, Client and Product Solutions at Onex. During a 20+ year career, has worked at StepStone Group, OMAM, BBVA Asset Management, Societe Generale, and BNP Paribas, across sectors and industries.
Sophie McKibbin joins from Warner Bros, where she worked for six and a half years, most recently as Director, Legal & Business Affairs for Theatrical Marketing.
A lawyer by training, McKibbin started her career at DWF before joining Warner Bros. Her time at Warner included the record-breaking Barbie promotional campaign.
Jon Spalding was most recently at Mattel, where he was Head of UK Consumer Products & Hardlines EMEA, successfully overseeing programs for the Barbie Movie. Before Mattel, Spalding worked at NBCUniversal, Disney, and Entertainment UK, with notable time spent on hardlines, toys, and licensing. Spalding has worked on franchises including Jurassic World, Minions, Star Wars, Frozen, and Marvel.
Ryan Amstad has an extensive background as a Creative Producer in the music, live entertainment, and location-based entertainment space.
He has worked on live shows with a range of top international pop stars, and for global brands such as Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Hasbro, and Universal Creative.
“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.”
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.”
“Pophouse’s position within the global entertainment industry makes this a superb time to join.”
Linda Höljö
COO Linda 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.”
“I’ve been a fan of Pophouse for some time and it’s an absolute joy to now work with their array of talent and artists.”
Jon Spalding
Commercial Director Jon Spalding said: “I’ve been a fan of Pophouse for some time and it’s an absolute joy to now work with their array of talent and artists.
“As Pophouse revolutionizes entertainment, we have a tremendous run of exciting news in the pipeline that will further cement our position as a pioneer in our field.”
“Pophouse is a leader in its industry; the investment case is compelling and unique.”
Natalia Fontecha
Head of Capital Raising and IR Natalia Fontecha: “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.”
“Pophouse has demonstrated a remarkable ability to cement and enhance artistic legacy.”
Sophie McKibbin
Sophie McKibbinHead of Business and Legal Affairs Sophie McKibbin, 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.”
“I look forward to working with colleagues, our talent, and partners to deliver inspiring and high-impact productions.”
Ryan Amstad
Head of New Production Development Ryan Amstad, said: “In my new role at Pophouse I will be bringing our catalogs to life – on stage, as location-based entertainment, and exhibitions.
“I look forward to working with colleagues, our talent, and partners to deliver inspiring and high-impact productions.”
“I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director at Mamma Mia! The Party.”
Sophie Arendt
Mamma Mia! The Party Managing Director Sophie 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.”
