Swedish Academy Chief Mats Malm Resigns After Seven Years

Ingrid Carlberg to Become New Permanent Secretary of Nobel Literature Body

The Swedish Academy , the prestigious institution responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize in Literature , has announced that its Permanent Secretary Mats Malm will step down after seven years at the helm. The resignation marks the end of a stabilisation phase for the Academy following one of the most turbulent periods in its history.

Leadership Transition at the Swedish Academy

According to an official statement issued on December 20, 2025 , literary historian Mats Malm will relinquish his position on June 1, 2026 . He will be succeeded by Ingrid Carlberg , a noted author, journalist, and current Academy member, who will assume the role of Permanent Secretary. The Academy said the transition has been planned to ensure continuity and institutional stability.

Malm stated that seven years constituted a reasonable tenure and that he had consciously prepared for a smooth handover. Academy spokesperson Louise Hedberg confirmed that the decision was voluntary and part of an orderly leadership transition.

Malm’s Tenure and Crisis Management

Mats Malm took charge in June 2019 , when the Academy was recovering from a major scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct, conflicts of interest, and internal divisions. The controversy centred on Jean-Claude Arnault , who was later convicted of rape, and his close ties to Academy member Katarina Frostenson . The crisis led to resignations, public protests, and the unprecedented postponement of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature , the first such delay in 70 years.

During Malm’s tenure, the Academy undertook structural reforms, inducted new members, revised statutes, and pledged to make the Nobel Prize more inclusive in terms of geography and language.

Incoming Permanent Secretary

Ingrid Carlberg expressed humility and gratitude on being chosen, describing the role as both an honour and a serious responsibility. Her appointment is seen as a continuation of reform and renewal within the institution.

What to Note for Exams?

• The Swedish Academy awards the Nobel Prize in Literature.

• Mats Malm served as Permanent Secretary from 2019 to 2026.

• Ingrid Carlberg will assume office on June 1, 2026.

• The 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature was postponed due to an internal scandal.