The Center for Sports and Business is shifting into high gear with the recent establishment of the Linder Chair in Sports and Business, bolstered by fresh funding, a partnership with the Swedish Sports Confederation, and now the appointment of Anna Laurell Nash as Executive Director.

Anna Laurell Nash brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Executive Director, drawing not only from her background as a former boxing world champion. In addition to her boxing career, she has been deeply involved in sports governance, serving on the Swedish Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, where she has worked to advocate for athletes' rights and contributed to the development of Swedish sports policy.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Laurell Nash also has a strong academic foundation, holding a doctorate in chemistry, reflecting her dedication to excellence both in and out of the ring. Her unique blend of expertise in sports, science, and leadership makes her the perfect candidate in taking the Center for Sports and Business to the next level.

Democratizing research in Swedish sports

“The Center for Sports and Business is entering an exciting phase,”says Anna Laurell Nash. "I am especially excited to work with future leaders, particularly the students at SSE, by integrating the 'mind-body-soul' concept through my experiences in sports. I also hope to contribute in making research and development easily accessible to everyone in the Swedish sports movement, and helping young entrepreneurs in the sports sector."

Laurell Nash is particularly passionate about improving the support for elite athletes in Sweden, who often face financial hardships despite their achievements. Through programs like the Management Diploma for Athletes, the Center aims to foster curiosity and open new career opportunities for athletes after their sports careers end.

“Elite athletes possess qualities like leadership, focus, and determination that are invaluable to the business world. World class athletes have to manage projects, handle successes and setbacks, cope with pressure, and make bold decisions — all while mastering your sport.I believe that more efforts should be made to harness and develop these skills beyond sports.”

This strategic recruitment marks a significant step in the Center's mission to become a global leader at the intersection of sports and business, fostering cutting-edge research, innovative partnerships, and leadership in the sports industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anna Laurell Nash to our team. We look forward to combining her hands-on experience in sports and sports governance with our academic and research expertise to create impactful initiatives that will shape the future of both sports and business, positioning the Center as a leader in this dynamic field”, says Professor Martin Carlsson Wall, Research Director at the Center for Sports and Business.

For more information, please contact:

Anna Laurell Nash
Executive Director, Center for Sports and Business
Tel: 0762-34 16 68
Email: anna.laurell.nash@hhs.se

Martin Carlsson-Wall
Professor and Research Director, Center for Sports and Business
Tel: 0730-44 09 00
Email: martin.carlsson-wall@hhs.se

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

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