Mats Malm is stepping down as permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy after seven years of stabilizing the institution post-2018 crises. His successor, journalist and author Ingrid Carlberg—the second woman in the role—will take over on June 1, 2026, following the announcement at the December 20 ceremonial assembly.
Mats Malm, literature historian holding seat 11 since 2018 and permanent secretary since June 2019, announced his departure during the Academy's festive assembly on December 20, 2025. Despite shying from the spotlight, he called the role 'enormously rewarding' and highlighted poetry books for children as a key achievement from his tenure amid the institution's earlier disarray linked to scandals involving Jean-Claude Arnault.
Ingrid Carlberg, 64, who joined seat 5 in 2020 after leaving Dagens Nyheter 15 years ago to author a book on Raoul Wallenberg ('I enjoyed DN, but books appealed more'), will succeed him. The choice was decided in May but revealed now. Dagens Nyheter culture editor Björn Wiman described it as 'unexpected and fun,' bolstering the Academy's focus on press freedom and democracy.
Carlberg expressed humility and passion for Swedish language, literature, and reading promotion, praising Malm's contributions. The move signals a new chapter for the recovered institution.
