Candela announces CEO transition to accelerate global scaling

The transition follows a Board decision on April 7, 2026, and is planned to take effect in connection with the Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2026.

Candela has, over recent years, moved from early-stage development into a more mature phase. The company now has vessels in commercial passenger operation, serial production is established for multiple product lines, and demand is growing across both public transport and private markets globally with 65+ orders for the Candela P-12 ferry.

The Candela P-12 ferry has been officially declared a success in Swedish and Norwegian public transport, as its hydrofoil technology has been proven to cut energy usage by up to 80% compared with conventional vessels. It also minimizes wakes, enables faster travel times within cities, and significantly reduces operational costs relative to diesel vessels.

The focus is now broadening from product development and technology validation to include scaling production, strengthening commercial operations, and executing consistently across geographies.

“Candela today stands on significantly firmer ground than in its early years,” said Gustav Hasselskog. “With many of the core technological and product-related uncertainties resolved, the company is now entering a phase where operational execution and systematic scaling become increasingly central. I believe this is the right moment for a transition in leadership, aligned with the company’s next phase of expansion.”

Sofia Graflund, currently Chief Strategy Officer at Candela, has worked closely with the organisation in recent months and brings a deep understanding of its operations, strategy, and growth agenda. Prior to joining Candela, she worked at EQT Ventures and held senior roles at Northvolt and Heart Aerospace, gaining valuable experience in scaling advanced technology and industrial companies.

“I’m delighted that Sofia has accepted this role. She brings strong analytical and operational capabilities, and has a deep understanding of Candela’s technology and culture. Her integrity and independence of thought will be important to lead the company into our next phase,” Hasselskog said.

“It’s a great honour to lead the team that effectively has invented electric hydrofoil technology, proven its success in demanding public transport, and brought three generations of vessels into serial production. Candela has established strong commercial traction and emerged as a market leader in electric waterborne transport. We’re now entering our next growth phase on a market valued at multiple billions globally, where we see demand for at least 5000 vessels per year in the long term” says Sofia Graflund.

Subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting in June, Gustav Hasselskog is proposed to assume the role of Executive Chairman. In this capacity, he will focus on external engagement with customers, partners, investors, and policymakers, while also supporting product strategy and innovation. His involvement in the company will remain substantial.

Hans Ahlinder, who has served as Chairman since the company’s founding, will continue in his role until the Annual General Meeting. Over more than a decade, he has been a highly valued partner to the company and to Gustav Hasselskog, providing sharp judgement and deep industrial experience through both challenging and successful periods.

“This transition has been initiated with a long-term perspective,” Hasselskog said. “I am confident it positions Candela well for the very exciting journey ahead and to deliver on our mission to accelerate the transition to fossil fuel-free waterways.”

Long-term Candela investor EQT Ventures adds:

“We backed Candela early and have been consistently impressed by the team’s ability to translate breakthrough technology into real-world commercial deployment. With Sofia stepping in as CEO and Gustav as Executive Chairman, the company has a uniquely strong leadership combination to scale globally. Candela is well positioned to accelerate its expansion across international markets, and we’re excited to continue supporting that journey,” says Marnix van der Ploeg, Managing Director at EQT Ventures.