Mats Malm Resigns as Swedish Academy's Permanent Secretary; Ingrid Carlberg to Succeed

Mats Malm, who has served as the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy since June 1, 2019, announced his resignation effective June 1, 2026. Malm, a 61-year-old literature historian, led the Academy through significant challenges, including navigating internal conflicts, controversies linked to the so-called 'Cultural Profile' Jean-Claude Arnault, and an annulled Nobel Prize. He expressed that seven years is a reasonable term and emphasized that his resignation comes not due to dramatic circumstances but as part of preparing for a change in leadership.

Ingrid Carlberg, a journalist and author aged 64, will succeed Malm, becoming the second female permanent secretary after Sara Danius, who resigned in 2018. Carlberg, who joined the Academy in October and officially took her seat in December, articulated her honor in accepting the role and her commitment to strengthening the Swedish language and literature. The Swedish Academy's press officer Louise Hedberg confirmed that Malm's decision is well-considered and part of the Academy's ongoing transformation.

Malm took over the permanent secretary role following Anders Olsson and during a time of reformation for the Academy. Carlberg's appointment is seen as an important step in continuing the Academy's work in literature and cultural promotion. Malm reflected positively on his tenure, underscoring the privilege of serving in the position and the importance of passing the responsibility forward.