In a major leadership change for the prestigious institution that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature, Mats Malm has stepped down from his role as the Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy. After serving for seven years, his departure signals a pivotal moment for the Academy as it seeks to solidify its governance and public standing.
A Planned Transition for a New Chapter
The Swedish Academy officially confirmed that Mats Malm will leave his position as permanent secretary, the body's chief executive role. He will be succeeded by the acclaimed author and journalist, Ingrid Carlberg, on June 1, 2026. Malm, who assumed the post in June 2019, described his tenure as a privilege and stated he has worked to ensure a smooth handover to new leadership.
This resignation is seen as a strategic move, acknowledging the Academy's need for a refreshed leadership approach. It comes after years of internal challenges and reputational issues that peaked in 2018. The institution has been on a long road to recovery since a crisis involving sexual misconduct allegations and governance failures, which led to the unprecedented postponement of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature and triggered several high-profile resignations.
Steering Through Crisis and Reform
Mats Malm's leadership began during one of the most turbulent periods in the Academy's history. The scandal that erupted in 2017-2018, linked to a figure connected to the Academy, involved serious allegations of harassment and conflicts of interest. This led to a wave of resignations, including that of the then-Permanent Secretary Sara Danius.
Under Malm's guidance, the Academy embarked on significant reforms to rebuild its credibility. Key changes included:
- Introducing updated statutes and governance rules.
- Bringing in new members to diversify the perspectives involved in the Nobel selection process.
- Focusing on restoring transparency and public trust in the iconic institution.
While these reforms were crucial, Malm acknowledged that the Academy had reached a stage where new leadership was necessary to fully embed these changes and guide the body into a stable future.
The Road Ahead with a New Vision
The appointment of Ingrid Carlberg marks a significant step forward. As a respected journalist and author, she brings a deep understanding of the Academy's core mission while being poised to address contemporary priorities. Her leadership is expected to advance the Academy's renewed focus on diversity, integrity, and ethical governance in global literary recognition.
Founded in 1786, the Swedish Academy remains one of the world's most influential cultural arbiters. Its annual selection of the Nobel laureate in literature is watched closely by the global literary community. The transition from Malm to Carlberg represents more than a change of guard; it symbolizes the institution's ongoing evolution from crisis management to a renewed phase of stability and purpose.
